The City of Chattanooga announced on Friday two new safety measures to combat violence: a partnership to add technology to enhance investigations and increase prosecution as well as a new community coalition to strengthen citywide efforts.
Over the last two weeks, the Chattanooga Police Department has responded to an increase in gang-related violence by increasing patrols, putting every available officer on the street, and utilizing resources from partner law enforcement agencies including HCSO, ATF, FBI, DEA.
These measures have resulted in 23 gang member arrests over a four day period and the seizure of 18 illegal firearms. In fact, CPD has continued to experience a steady increase in illegal firearm seizures. In 2015, officers seized 754 illegal firearms which is a 25% increase in firearm seizures over 2010.
The city will expand its existing partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to expedite the acquisition of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) system. The NIBIN Program automates ballistics evaluations and provides actionable investigative leads in a timely manner. NIBIN is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States.
“We know that taking guns out of the hands of criminals who want to harm people in our community is a critical step to keeping both our citizens and our officers safe. I’m proud we have dramatically increased the number of firearms our police have seized, and we are making an important investment today to build on their hard work,” said Mayor Andy Berke.
“Earlier this week, I assured Chief Fletcher that the city would stop at nothing to help him and his officers keep our community safe,” said Mayor Berke. “One way we can do that is by getting our investigators the technology they need to solve more crimes and secure the necessary evidence to keep violent criminals behind bars.”
Steven Gerido, ATF special agent in charge, said, “NIBIN is an effective tool that will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence. ATF and the Chattanooga Police Department continues to identify, target, and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods."
In addition to increasing the technology in the department, the city announced the formation of a Citizen Safety Coalition.
The Citizen Safety Coalition, which will be co-chaired by Bishop Kevin Adams of Olivet Baptist Church and Charles Mitchell, vice principal of Brainerd High School, will find ways to engage individuals within neighborhoods to foster strong, stable relationships as well as recommend tactics for keeping young men and women out of trouble, especially during the summer months. Coalition members will be finalized in the coming days, and Mayor Berke encourages anyone interested in being involved to sign up for updates at connect.chattanooga.gov/safe.
“Throughout the week, I’ve talked and met with community members and faith leaders who have all said the same thing to me: ‘How can I help?’,” said Mayor Berke. “Because of these meaningful conversations, it became clear that the City could provide a mechanism for the community to participate in a vital way.”
Officials said these two additional measures announced Friday will build upon the tactics put into place over the last week and provide long-term assistance to keep Chattanooga’s streets safe.