The Chattanooga Police Department is aware of recent reporting and public discussion regarding arrests and immigration status in Hamilton County and wants to clarify and correct CPD arrest practices and data clearly, directly, and factually.
According to an official statement, “CPD officers serve every member of our community with dignity, fairness, and respect. Our mission, ‘to keep you, your family, and our community safe,’ is rooted in constitutional policing. We protect people. We do not target them because of who they are, where they come from, or the language they speak.”
The Chattanooga Police Department does not make arrests or detentions based on citizenship or immigration status, nor do they have the legal authority to do so. Immigration enforcement is civil in nature and falls under federal jurisdiction. CPD enforces state and local criminal law only…