CPD Lieutenant David Young
The Chattanooga Police Department announced that Lieutenant David Young is one of 35 law enforcement officers from across the United States accepted into the fourth cohort of the University of Chicago Policing Leadership Academy. This program is designed to "enhance police leadership, reduce gun violence and improve the effectiveness and fairness of policing."
The PLA is the only police management and leadership program in the country that aims to reduce gun violence and improve the effectiveness and fairness of policing.
It was informed by University of Chicago Crime Lab research that found changes in police department management can cause large changes in violent crime rates and police use of force. Lt. Young’s five-month training includes courses focused on management and leadership, community engagement and strategies for violence reduction.
Lt. Young is the third CPD Officer to participate in the program, following Chief John Chambers, who graduated with the third cohort in November 2024, and Captain JayEvan Montgomery, who graduated in the second cohort earlier last year.
“Lt. Young’s participation in the University of Chicago Police Leadership Academy emphasizes the Chattanooga Police Department’s commitment to continuous learning and leadership development,” said Chief John Chambers. “I look forward to hearing about the valuable lessons David’s learned that will help us better serve our community.”
The fourth PLA cohort began in early January and graduation is expected to take place in late Spring.