Lights On – a program aiming to improve ties between communities and law enforcement agencies – is expanding to the Scenic City via a partnership with the Chattanooga Police Department. This is the first national expansion into Tennessee.
Under the program, CPD officers on traffic stops can provide a voucher for up to $250 to repair mechanical problems with the vehicle rather than citing the driver. Common mechanical violations include burned-out light bulbs and broken turn signals.
CPD is partnering with the following businesses:
• Christian Brothers Automotive Hixson, 5595 Hixson Pike
• Downtown Automotive, 1725 S. Market Street
• Danny’s Auto Center, 3415 Campbell Street
• Scenic City Auto Repair, 2828 Rossville Boulevard
• Express Tire & Service, 4911 Hwy 58 N.
• Parker’s Automotive and Fuel, 3660 Brainerd Road
“Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we can fix the mechanical issue and mitigate what often becomes a downward spiral for community members in need,” says Don Samuels, CEO of Lights On. “We’re giving officers a new tool that creates a positive interaction.”
The CPD is incorporating Lights On in response to recent analysis of traffic violations and citation data in the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Performance Management and Open Data’s Policing and Racial Equity Dashboard.
The dashboard indicates a marginally disproportionate negative effect on communities of color in Chattanooga.
Participation in Lights On requires a financial stake in the program. This is being drawn from funds accumulated through automated traffic enforcement citations.
Community in-kind and financial donations also support the program. Donate at LightsOnUS.Org.
Source: CPD