The Chattanooga Police Department announces that Chief John Chambers graduated from the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy, an education program dedicated to reducing violent crime and improving police effectiveness.
Chief Chambers is one of 35 police leaders from the United States and Canada who graduated from the five-month intensive program. He received hands-on training in data-driven management, violence reduction and building community trust.
Officials said, "The PLA is the only police management and leadership program in the country specifically designed to increase safety and fairness in American cities and abroad.
This initiative was informed by University of Chicago Crime Lab research that found management quality can significantly influence the productivity and effectiveness of policing."
“The PLA program provided an opportunity for professional growth and a reinforcement of motivation and commitment to continue to make policing in Chattanooga better,” said Chief John Chambers as part of his PLA Cohort 3 commencement speech. “I am honored to have been selected for this program and am already working with CPD personnel, other city units and community members to identify historically high violent crime areas and formulate a response plan that includes relationship building, rather than solely enforcement.”
This third cohort of the PLA began in July and concluded with graduation on Nov. 21 and was at no cost to the city or department. Chief Chambers is the second CPD graduate of the program. Major Jayevan Montgomery graduated with the second PLA cohort earlier in 2024.