Chattanooga Police reorganize to deal with gun violence

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police are re-organizing to deal with gun violence.

They are moving five positions from the Gang Unit to join the CPD Gun Team in July.

This will give the Gun Team nine investigators, two sergeants and a civilian tech.

The Team focuses on evidence found a gun violence scenes.  They use technology to link guns used in crimes.

Since the Team was formed in 2018, Chattanooga Police now send a response to every call of “shots fired.”

“Since 2018, many of these cases have been successfully prosecuted at the federal level, hopefully bringing some justice and closure to victims and their families,” said CPD Captain John Chambers.

“Increasing the number of dedicated officers to the Gun Team in order to address and respond even more efficiently to gun violence in Chattanooga is needed now.”

In the process, the Gang Unit is being dismantled.

Their employees are being moved to other areas.

And their job is moving to CPD’s Intelligence Unit.

“The Chattanooga Police Department has a reputation as being a progressive department committed to intelligence led and data driven policing,” said Chief David Roddy.

“We are continuously looking at ways to address and adapt response to criminal activity with the ultimate goal to better serve the members of this community. Expanding the Gun Team without seeking an increase in funding just makes sense.”