Mayor Kelly Invites Chattanooga Residents to Participate in Police Chief Selection Process

In a bid to foster community involvement in key city decisions, Mayor Tim Kelly has invited Preston to participate in an online survey to help select Chattanooga’s next Chief of Police. The survey is part of a concerted effort to ensure the decision-making process is inclusive and reflective of the community’s needs and priorities.

The Online Community Survey

The newly-launched online Community Survey is aimed at gathering perceptions and insights regarding the capabilities, focus, and leadership qualities preferred in the next Chief of Police. Chattanoogans can access the survey at the city’s official website and it requires approximately three minutes to complete.

Civic engagement is at the heart of this initiative as officials hope to understand the community’s preference for the city’s police leadership. “The new poll asks Chattanoogans to rank the qualities and areas of focus they feel are most important for Chattanooga’s next chief of police,” officials explained.

The survey consists of three main questions and an additional free text field where residents can express their thoughts and opinions in their own words. This move marks a significant step in prioritizing the community’s involvement in shaping local law enforcement leadership.

Mayor Kelly’s Call to Chattanoogans

Mayor Kelly expressed the importance of community participation in the selection process, stating: “As we move through the interview process for our Chief of Police candidates, we want to hear from all parts of Chattanooga.”

He further urged the people of Chattanooga to take a few minutes to fill out the survey, emphasizing that their voice is integral in guiding the selection of the next police chief.

Next Steps and Expectations

Once the survey period ends, the gathered responses will be analyzed thoroughly, shaping the future of the police department’s leadership. All answers are anonymous, safeguarding the privacy of those participating in the survey.

Involving the community directly in such decisions not only enhances transparency but also fosters a sense of trust and belonging between residents and their civic leaders. It is hoped that this approach of participatory governance will bring positive changes to Chattanooga’s police department and the community as a whole.

Mayor Kelly and his administration are invested in ensuring a transparent and accountable recruitment process that brings the most suited individual to carry the mantle of Chattanooga’s Chief of Police. This initiative signals an inspiring start to a broad and inclusive procedure where the community gets to influence crucial decisions impacting their safety and security.