Police chief to keep his home outside city

New Chattanooga police Chief Bobby Dodd said he hasn't seen any problems with living outside the city while being a city police officer.

"At this time, I do not plan on moving into the city," Chief Dodd said. "My job has never suffered."

The City Council voted 8-0 Tuesday to approve Chief Dodd as the city's top officer. Beforehand, the council quizzed him for about 40 minutes during a Public Safety Committee meeting.

One of the questions was whether Chief Dodd, who lives in Hixson, would move within the Chattanooga city limits. Chief Dodd said he has lived outside the city for 16 years and is established in that community.

Mayor Ron Littlefield told council members he preferred that the chief live within city limits. But he said there have been a number of officers over the years who were not required to live within the boundaries.

He said he wanted the best possible person for the position, so he overlooked the chief's residence.

"I did not make it a requirement," Mr. Littlefield said.

Councilman Andraé McGary asked the new chief if there is a crime and gang problem in Chattanooga.

HOW THEY VOTEDThe City Council voted 8-0 Tuesday night to confirm Bobby Dodd as Chattanooga's police chief. Mayor Ron Littlefield nominated him last week.

"Absolutely," Chief Dodd replied.

He said the best solution is to beef up the city's crime suppression unit and use more technology.

Chief Dodd also was asked about consolidating the police department with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, a proposal raised by Mr. Littlefield. The chief said he was not against such a move, but he would want to proceed with caution.

"We're going to have to have an unbiased opinion and someone who can come in and tell us what will work," he said.

Continue reading by following this link to a related story:

Free Press Editorial: New Police Chief Bobby Dodd

Upcoming Events