May 19, 2013
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Authorities in Chattanooga say crime in the city has declined over the past decade, despite a popular perception that crime is increasing.
According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd spoke at a Rotary Club discussion on Thursday and said most violent crime in the city is among drug dealers and gang members.
Helen Eigenberg, who heads the criminal justice program for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, said TBI figures show 52 percent of violent crimes occur in domestic situations.
A database kept by the newspaper shows 100 shootings in the city last year with 117 victims.
Officials said people are more aware of crimes today because of media coverage and better technology.
