Chattanooga hires more minority police officers

[CMF Newsman]

The number of minority officers in the Chattanooga Police Department is the highest it has been in at least five years, despite recent criticism from a local civil rights group.

"I think it's important for the African-American community and especially African-American kids to see people in a position of authority," said Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd, "to see people in a position in law enforcement -- someone they can identify and look up to and maybe look to for guidance if they are interested in coming into law enforcement."

As of this month, records show the department has a total of 81 black officers, or 18.8 percent of the total; 12 Hispanic officers, 2.8 percent; and five Native American officers, 1.2 percent. There are 334 white officers, or 77.3 percent, on the force.

But an official with the local NAACP said that, despite the increases in minorities on the force, more black officers are needed to more closely match Chattanooga's population.

www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/chattanooga-hires-more-minority-police-officers

[staffsgtsbunny]

I guess the NAACP doesn't visit Atlanta any more.....just saying.

[LimitedRecourse]

The NAACP screams for more hiring of minorities but does NOTHING in the minority communities to help potential recruits meet the requirements. Try spending $1000.00 on some study materials & training instead of on those suits you wear.

[ssmynkint]

Establishing quotas based on race, not merit is ridiculous and dangerous as well as discriminatory. It's sad that this is even considered an option. What next? We need to have 34% of the MDs in town be Black?

[goomba]

personally, I don't care what race or gender a police officer is, as long as they are competent and professional. and honestly that is how they should be hired.

[ssmynkint]

competent and professional. and honestly that is how they should be hired.

The ONLY way, as with ANY profession(OOPPS, is it PC to call LE a profession?)

[Deleted]

Bingo!

[OutdoorPro]

This highlights the frustration of being a white male attempting to obtain a job with CPD.

I suppose that having a strong work ethic, strong moral beliefs, strong desire to work, and desire to serve doesn't mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things.