IBPO Plans Press Conference, Airs Radio Ad over Chattanooga Mayor’s Patrol-Car Take-Home Policy
September 4, 2009
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers will hold a press conference at 5 p.m., Tuesday, September 8th, at the City Council Building on Lindsay Street to oppose an executive order of the mayor that will require police officers to pay the city if they want to take their cruisers home or to second jobs. The union, which represents Chattanooga police, will also begin airing an ad Friday on Chattanooga’s 102.3 FM, opposing what it calls an ill-considered policy.
The IBPO claims in the radio ad that the new policy will have the effect of taking police out of neighborhoods, where the presence of a patrol car goes a long way toward deterring crime. The union says most officers simply can’t afford the extra $100-$150 a month the city wants under the new order, and that the policy "will force officers to leave their cruisers idled at the station."
"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.