Letter of Trespass

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If you are encountering trespassing issues on your property, the Chattanooga Police Department offers an Authorization to Enforce and Prosecute Criminal Trespass Violations (or Letter of Trespass) that allows officers to respond to your property and address trespass complaints without you needing to be present every time. The CPD can act, in the absence of the owner, for purposes of enforcing laws against any person found on private property without the owner's consent or lawful purpose.

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Requirements

How Do I Renew?

This Letter of Trespass will remain in force unless rescinded in writing back to the Chattanooga Police Department.

How Do I Apply?

1

Complete the correct application form below. 

If you have printed out the form, email your completed form to trespassing@chattanooga.gov.

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2

Comply with the posting requirements.

3

The property owner or representative of the property owner needs to appear in court as criminal trespass is a misdemeanor and without a interested or damaged party charges could be dismissed.

FAQ

What is a Letter of Trespass?

Law enforcement officers do not normally have the authority to go onto private property, which is not open to the public, and remove individuals or request them to leave without the consent or authority of the property owner. If an officer observes someone on private property when the business is closed, or a problem is reported by someone who does not have the authority to sign a trespass complaint, the officer must contact the person who is legally responsible for the property.

An Authorization to Enforce and Prosecute Criminal Trespass Violations (also referred to as a "Letter of Trespass") with the CPD gives officers permission to act on behalf of the property owner or manager in trespass situations. In addition, officers who observe trespassers on private property can address the problem immediately, rather than having to wait, contact a property owner or manager, if one can be located, or take no action at all.

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