IBPO Stands with Chattanooga Police Against Vehicle Policy Change
September 1, 2009
The following press release responds to the Chattanooga mayor's executive order requiring officers to pay a fee to take home their cruisers
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers today announced that it stands with the police officers of Chattanooga, Tennessee against Mayor Ron Littlefield’s new city vehicle policy, under which officers will have to pay as much as $150 per month to use their police vehicles for commuting and other work.
IBPO National President David J. Holway said today that change "runs contrary to good public policy and good public safety practice."
"Everyone in public safety knows that the number one deterrent to crime is police visibility," said President Holway. "The city's plan to raise a small amount of money in this ill-considered manner will discourage officers from using their cruisers. It's poor management to reduce police visibility at the very time when you need more police visibility."
This policy change is not the first such policy undermining the creation and retention of a stable, professional police force for the people of Chattanooga. Over the last six years, officers have given up cost-of-living adjustments, had their longevity pay reduced, absorbed increases in health care costs and retirement contributions, and lost opportunities for overtime.
"Little by little, the city of Chattanooga is sending its police officers the clear message: we don't value you or the work you do," said President Holway.
The IBPO urges Chattanooga police officers, residents, and city councilors to oppose this policy change and to stand up for public safety.