February 26, 2025
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is proud to
share its 2024 Annual Report, filled with detailed data and achievements
from the past year. The report highlights officer professionalism, key
improvements in crime reduction, and innovative approaches to law
enforcement and community safety.
Officer Professionalism and Use of Force
The report reveals that use of force encounters represented just 0.15% of
all officer interactions with community members - an indicator of the
department’s focus on compliance with policies, de-escalation techniques, and
community-oriented policing. (p. 8)
Crime Reduction
The 2024 report underscores progress in crime reduction. Some notable areas
include:
-A 9% decrease in crimes against persons compared to 2023 (p. 13)
-An 11% decrease in crimes against property (p. 15)
-A 21% decrease in non-fatal shootings from the previous year (p. 18)
Addressing Overdoses
Overdoses saw a remarkable reduction in 2024. Overdoses decreased by
32% overall,
with fatal overdoses dropping by nearly half. Factors contributing to the
decline include proactive enforcement, education campaigns, and
strengthened partnerships with public health organizations. (p. 20)
Traffic Safety
The CPD also saw progress in traffic safety, with a 24% reduction in total
traffic crashes in 2024. This significant decline reflects the department's
proactive efforts in improving road safety through enforcement and
education. (p. 21)
Proactivity of Specialized Units
In addition to general crime reduction, the report provides data and
insights into the work conducted by several specialized proactive units
within the department to include Gun Team, Victim Services, Crisis
Co-Response, Real-Time Intelligence Center, and Drone Unit. Their efforts,
along with the work of the entire department, focus on using innovative
problem-solving through intelligence and technology, supporting crime
victims and their families, and responding to individuals in crisis with
compassion and care. (p. 23 - 28)
“We are proud of the progress made in 2024, and I am encouraged by what the
CPD has accomplished together with members of our community,” said Chief
John Chambers. “Through collaboration and relationship-building we will
continue to work toward our shared goal of ensuring not only the reality of
safety but also the feeling of safety within our community.”
The full CPD 2024 Annual Report is attached and can also be accessed online
at Chattanooga.gov
<https://chattanooga.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2024-CPD-Annual-Report_0.pdf>
.