City, county issue Downtown public safety initiative
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County have come together to make an announcement about public safety in downtown Chattanooga.
On Tuesday, the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County announced a joint public safety initiative in the central business district.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to assign deputies to assist the Chattanooga Police Department in patrolling the area.
Downtown Lights from Stringer’s Ridge by J.B. Murphy
The central business district includes Patten Towers.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says that this area is of particular interest for the city in terms of improving public safety in the area.
Mayor Kelly said, “Again, I live down there, and I work down there. I walk past Patten Towers four to five times a week. I’m no stranger to this myself. “
Patten Towers was the site late last month where Chris Wright, a Baylor alum and notable businessman, was murdered.
Darryl Roberts is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail charged with first degree murder in the case.
The incident highlights increasing concerns around downtown safety.
One person, who wanted to remain anonymous, told News 12 that they’re so nervous about the crime that they avoid using ATM’s downtown.
Others didn’t mince words on what concerns them.
One resident and business owner, Aaron Ellison, said, “As far as crimes today, I think you can’t generalize it. It’s all over everywhere, so you just can’t say it’s here or it’s there.”
Another resident, Janet Cook Sanchez, said of her biggest concern, “I’m going to have to say the homeless people.”
Mayor Kelly told News 12 that the spike in downtown homelessness was a factor in the decision.
He did defend his administration’s efforts to fight the problem with several initiatives as he says over three thousand people have been housed by the city.
Mayor Kelly said, “We see new faces on the street every day. I think one of the questions is where these folks are coming from. We’re going to be looking harder at that.”
No matter the solution, those we talked to say they just want to be safe.
Ellison said, “People are going to do what they do, they’re going to do their job or they’re not. Citizens, police, me, whoever. So, the more people down here, the better it is. If everyone does their job, we wouldn’t have any situations.”
Janet Cook Sanchez said, “It makes me feel safer… Us citizens appreciate all of you and your efforts. You guys run toward their danger and not away from it.”
