6-27-18 CPD Response to video post

The cell phone video posted to Facebook only shows a portion of the interaction that occurred outside the Hamilton County Jail between a 14-year-old female and a CPD Officer on the afternoon of Monday, June 25, 2018. The CPD Officer in the video was at that location because he was in the process of filing warrants on a party from another, unrelated incident. The officer approached other CPD officers who were conversing with a repossession agent about the 14-year-old who was seated behind the wheel of a running vehicle stopped in a handicap zone. The officer then approached the female and politely asked her to turn off the vehicle. The female did not comply with any of the multiple requests made by the officer. The officer determined at that time that an unlicensed, 14-year-old behind the wheel of a running vehicle in a heavily trafficked area of town created a significant concern for the safety of that juvenile, others in the vicinity, and the public at-large. Based on the juvenile's continued lack of compliance and the officer's increasing concern for public safety, the officer shut off the vehicle and removed the female from behind the wheel. This is all evident in the officer's body worn camera video included in this release.

The Chattanooga Police Department reviewed the officer's body worn camera in its entirety and the actions the officer took in this case. The department determined, based on that evidence and information, the officer followed proper protocol.

"The use of force used by the officer in this situation is in compliance with the Chattanooga Police Department's Use of Force policy and training," said Chief David Roddy. "Force used by officers can be controversial, but it is also needed in certain situations when safety of the individuals involved and the public at-large are at stake."

The juvenile was transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. She is charged with Resisting Stop, Frisk, Halt. Additional charges are pending. Numerous threats have been made on the officer and his family. Out of an abundance of concern for the safety of this officer and his family, CPD is withholding the officer's name.

BWC Link

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