The Chattanooga Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into an allegation of criminal sexual conduct involving an officer in CPD's Neighborhood Policing Bureau.
CPD immediately launched the Internal Affairs investigation after the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office contacted CPD regarding an officer who was the focus of a sexual assault allegation reported to them on Wednesday, Police Chief David Roddy said at a press conference.
The Sheriff's Office said the woman told them she was sexually assaulted by a Chattanooga Police officer while he was on duty.
The officer was hired by CPD in 2014. He was relieved of duty pending investigation on Thursday. He will remain on administrative/modified leave until there is a final disposition in the Internal Affairs investigation. That disposition will not be made until the criminal case concludes.
"Trust between CPD Officers and the people we protect and serve is of utmost importance to me," said Chief Roddy. "I want our community members to know proven misconduct by any CPD Officer that undermines their trust will not be tolerated."
The CPD Internal Affairs investigation is separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
Chief Roddy said, "The CPD Officer’s name is not being released at this time as it could complicate the criminal investigation."