Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy told City Council members on Tuesday that, because of the recent increase in shootings and crime around the city, the department will be increasing their presence in certain areas of Chattanooga. However, he quickly clarified what an “increased police presence” meant.
“It’s not saturation, sometimes it’s just talking to people,” said Chief Roddy, “Having officers present and engaging so individuals in our community can feel safer.”
Chief Roddy also let the council know that this was going to be an effort by the entire department, from the leaders to the lowest members.
“I also believe in modeling and leading from the front.
All lieutenants. captains, and chiefs, and leaders will be on the streets as well over the next week,” said the chief, “That’ll give us an understanding of what our community is going through right now.”
When Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod asked about possible witnesses being protected against gang retaliation, Chief Roddy assured her the police force was taking measures to protect them.
“There’s a fund for witness support,” he said. “So what we do that, is if someone comes forward to give a statement, but isn’t a direct victim, we try to protect them that way. We can pay for bus tickets, hotel rooms, and other things to make them safer.”
After Chief Roddy explained his department’s plan for the future, Councilwoman Coonrod expressed her gratitude toward the work the department had done.
“I do appreciate the police presence in the community, and I appreciate all you are doing to be consistent and making the community safer.”
Councilman Anthony Byrd still had a few questions though.
“What tools do we have in place, things that we can do? The perception is that bully cops came into our community and shot this man,” said the councilman, “In my community, we have a code to not be a snitch. What tools do we have? Is it a retooling of an entire generation? At the end of the day, the person doing the crime gets sensationalized, and sometimes cops come in and get picked apart. Now, sometimes the job isn’t done well.”
The police chief answered by saying, “I’d love to have smaller discussions. Having town discussions with 150 people can be difficult. I think that having a discussion with a smaller groups is easier,” he said, before telling a story about a recent shooting, “I went into the neighborhood where there was a shooting, and talked to every neighbor I could find. And every one was thankful police were there, due to how unsafe it was.”
This constant need for dialogue was a consistent talking point for Chief Roddy. Councilwoman Coonrod agreed that dialogue was needed, as distrust of the police is a deep-rooted issue.
“That healing process comes out as being hurt and lashing out toward people who look like ourselves,” she said, “Imagine how hard it’s going to be to reconcile between the police and black people. It’s a condition that we’re going to have to continue to fight. We have to do more than just take the tools available. We already know the what the problem is. Anything we can do ,including small discussions, I say let’s do it.”