Chief Fletcher: ‘We are well equipped to tackle this violence.’

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – When gang members reportedly told police they have more shooters than CPD has officers, it may have awaken a sleeping giant.

Police Chief Fred Fletcher is flexing the department’s muscle by announcing more officers will be on the streets. Nearly every CPD employee who wears a gun and badge and has the authority to make an arrest will be placed on patrol.

“All officers will be reporting to work in uniform. Those not specifically tasked with emergent needs like ongoing investigations  will be on patrol doing what work they can in the field; putting themselves between the community and violence,” Fletcher said.

According to Chief Fletcher, regular days off have either been cancelled or rearranged so that officers can spend more time in gang infested neighborhoods.  A number of Hamilton County Sheriff deputies will also join those officers on the streets.

Sheriff Hammond issued this written statement regarding the county’s involvement:

“As Sheriff, I am deeply concerned over the latest outbreak of violence in our community. I have reached out to Chief Fletcher and our other local law enforcement partners and offered any available resources  necessary from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to help address this recent slate of gang violence.”

Thursday morning, City Councilman Larry Grohn spoke to News 12’s Joe Legge about the plans put forth by Chief Fletcher.

“I expect Chief Fletcher to utilize everything he can. He is pulling offices from the headquarters and putting them back in uniform. He’s pulling officers from special details that are usually out of uniform back in uniform and putting them on the streets. I think this will have an impact,” Grohn said.