Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) Update
Updates from the Chattanooga Police Department shows their impact on our North Chattanooga community.
Crime Statistics & Data-Driven Success
Overall Crime: Down 48% city-wide.
Violent Crime: Down nearly 60%.
Homicides: At 20-year lows (14 total last year) with a 94% clearance rate (nearly double the national average of 50%).
Part Two Crimes: (Theft, petty theft, car break-ins) Down 16%.
Victim-Centered Approach: Chief Johnson attributed high clearance rates to better community trust, noting that victims are now more willing to come forward.
Chattanooga Police Department Statistics: see link - CPD Statistics
Staffing & Operations
Zero Vacancy: As of next Friday, CPD will be 100% staffed (477 sworn positions). The department is authorized to "over-hire" by 8 positions to account for natural attrition and retirements.
Pet Peeves & Quality of Life: Chief Johnson highlighted two priority areas:
Illegal parking in handicap spaces.
Excessively loud music/exhaust pipes.
Overtime Initiative: Specific overtime patrols have been implemented in the NorthShore area to deter speeding on Market Street and address noise complaints.
River Street/Park Closures: The 10:30 PM park closure and River Street restrictions have been effective in winter; CPD is now shifting focus to Renaissance Park as spring activity increases.
Traffic & Nuisance Enforcement
Veterans Bridge: Speed detection devices have shown a measurable decrease in speeding.
Mini-Motorcycles: A local business owner reported a recurring nuisance of unlicensed mini-motorcycles riding on sidewalks and near store entrances.
Drone Operations: CPD will use drones and special operations units (motors/traffic) over the next few weekends/Spring Break to track and intercept these high-speed nuisances.
