1-23-17 CPD & Mayor Berke Announce Firearm Violence Response Strategy

Over the past four years, 51% of homicides in Chattanooga and 56% of non-fatal shootings involved gang members as the victim or the suspect. Through extensive study and intelligence we believe that under 1% of the city's population is actually involved in gang activity.

"That one percent threatens the wellbeing of our citizens. That one percent endangers lives. That one percent terrorizes neighborhoods. That one percent undermines your police officers' sacrifices to uphold their mission to keep you, your family and our community safe," said Chief Fletcher.

The Chattanooga Police Department, along with Mayor Andy Berke, and law enforcement partners such as the FBI, ATF, U.S. Attorney's Office, Hamilton County District Attorney's Office, and others are working together on a multi-layered approach to fight violent crime.

As of January 2017, CPD has added the technology of NIBIN - National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. NIBIN is a newly available ballistic technology managed by the ATF. This technology is another investigative tool in CPD's tool belt - not in place of another tool or program - that allows the department to share information that has proven effective in addressing gun and gang violence. Much of the credit for bringing this program online in Chattanooga goes to a CPD undercover officer who originally brought the program to Chief Fletcher's attention.

In addition, much credit is also due to Sgt. Josh May, Focused Deterrence Coordinator, who developed the other layers of this strategy. Sgt. May suggested the formation of a Gun Team, Gang Unit and Rapid Response Team.

The Gun Team will consists of four officers and one sergeant. This team will be vital in getting the most value from the information provided by NIBIN in helping increase the safety of our community. The Gun Team will also work in conjunction with the Gang Unit and Rapid Response Team.

The Chattanooga Gang Unit (CGU) will be responsible for investigating crimes committed by gang members. The CGU will also follow up on NIBIN "leads" that are the result of gang member weapon possession and locations where there have been shots fired due to gang activity.

The Rapid Response Teams require the addition of nine officers. These officers will be split across the three city sectors and combined with other existing officers in those sectors. Each sector will have seven officers completely dedicated to quick response during peak crime hours. The unit, like the others, will work in conjunction with CPD's recently created Intelligence Unit, nascent Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC), Patrol Commanders, Crime Analysis Unit, partner agencies, and other forms of intelligence-led policing and focused deterrence strategies to respond to various situations quickly, dynamically, and flexibly.

"I am often presented with public safety strategies and ideas by officers of the Chattanooga Police Department. These are the folks who have the knowledge, expertise, and passion for keeping people safe. It's my job to listen to and support their work and make sure the City of Chattanooga is meeting their needs and the needs of the department," said Mayor Andy Berke.

It is clear that guns, when in the hands of those who do not need and should not have them, are an issue in Chattanooga. Having dedicated people and technology to connect guns to people using them for illegal violence in the city is an absolute necessity.

Funds for the additional officers are requested in the upcoming City of Chattanooga fiscal year 2017 - 2018 Police Department budget. As part of the City Budget process, City Council must approve the funding prior to the addition of new officer positions.