CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is proud to
share that Neighborhood Policing Captain Daniel Francis has completed the
University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy (PLA), a
nationally recognized program dedicated to strengthening police leadership
to reduce violent crime and improving public safety.
Captain Francis was among just 35 police leaders from across the United
States, Canada, and Scotland who graduated from this intensive five month
program. The PLA offers advanced, practical instruction on data-driven
crime reduction, effective team leadership, and building trust with the
communities police serve.
“I am grateful to Chief Chambers and the PLA for the opportunity to
participate in this training,” said Captain Daniel Francis. “The experience
pushed me to continue growing as a leader and I look forward to putting my
capstone project into practice to help reduce violent crime in Charlie
sector, the sector I oversee
Captain Francis’ capstone project outlines a strategic approach that pairs
CPD with community partners and uses data to identify locations with higher
incidences of violent crime. The plan includes a rotating officer presence
in these areas, supported by coordinated efforts with other city
departments to address underlying issues that may be contributing to these
crimes.
This fifth PLA cohort began in June and concluded with graduation on
November 13, 2025. The program was provided at no cost to CPD or the City
of Chattanooga. Captain Francis is now the fourth CPD leader to complete
this nationally recognized academy, joining Captain Jayevan Montgomery,
Chief John Chambers, and Division Chief David Young.
