The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) Tuesday held its first meeting to implement Chief Fred Fletcher’s new RESTART initiative, a community-based working group to assist with the reform of processes regarding how officers are recruited, selected and promoted. RESTART will also provide continued oversight and guidance once the reforms are in place.
“RESTART will help us build a diverse workforce while ensuring we retain the talented officers who are currently serving Chattanooga,” said Chief Fletcher. “Community input is vital to the success of this initiative, and I’m proud to have leaders from all over our city participating.”
The working group is comprised of the following community members and CPD employees: Chris Ramsey, Blue Cross Blue Shield; Everlena Holmes, community representative; Stacy Johnson, La Paz; Gladys Pineda-Loher, Chattanooga State; James Mapp, NAACP; Warren Logan, Jr., Urban League; Shea Jefferson, City of Chattanooga Human Resources; James McKissic, Office of Multicultural Affairs; Mike Williams, Chattanooga Police, retired; Sgt. Derrick Stewart, CPD; Sgt. Danny Jones, CPD; Officer Michael Newton; CPD; Chattanooga Police Department; Assistant Chief Danna Vaughn, CPD; Officer Rob Simmons, CPD (IBPO); Officer Sean O’Brien, CPD (FOP); Officer Iran Meadows, Chattanooga Police (NBPOA); Kyle Miller, CPD; Lt. Bakari Welles, CPD; Capt. Kim Noorbergen, CPD; and Officer Moreland Wilson, CPD.
The diverse population in Chattanooga has undergone a significant evolution over the years,” said Pineda-Loher, director of international community outreach for Chattanooga State Community College. “Being a part of RESTART will contribute to multiple community wide collaborations and help to ensure CPD’s workforce reflects Chattanooga’s cultural diversity.”
During this week’s inaugural meeting, Chief Fletcher stressed the importance of this initiative for the Chattanooga Police Department and outlined goals of the committee participants, stating the priorities for RESTART are to “develop fair and equitable processes for external recruitment and hiring as well as internal transfers and promotions.” Fletcher went on to discuss the importance of mentors and coaching newly hired officers, stating he was confident RESTART could help CPD find ways to successfully “coach our department back into community engagement, as well as functioning as a cohesive team.”
The RESTART working group is scheduled to meet monthly and is expected to have initial findings to report by March 31, 2015.
Source: Chattanooga Police Department