Mayor-Elect dismantles Chattanooga Gang Task Force

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) - Chattanooga's Gang Task Force will soon no longer exist.

Boyd Patterson, who co-coordinates the initiative, tells Channel 3 Mayor-Elect Andy Berke has chosen to go in a different direction.

Patterson was made aware on Friday that the program would be dismantled.?

Patterson says a winding down process will begin. His resignation will come the first week of June.

A spokesperson for Berke wrote in a statement to Channel 3, "Two weeks ago Mayor-elect Berke held an open forum on Public Safety. Information from that forum helped guide the development of a public safety strategy for our city."

"This comprehensive plan will include a public safety coordinator, responsible for helping implement Mayor-elect Berke's vision for the reduction of crime in Chattanooga. While the plan will address gang related issues, and particularly gang violence, it will not include the Gang Task Force. The Mayor-elect appreciates Boyd Patterson and Fred Houser for their passion, hard work, and dedication to our city."

The statement concluded in saying, "More details on Mayor-elect Berke's comprehensive public safety plan will be announced in the coming weeks."

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In a statement sent to our partners at the Times Free Press, Berke said his plans include a public safety coordinator to help put his vision to work.

"While the plan will address gang-related issues, and particularly gang violence, it will not include the Gang Task Force," he added.

"The Mayor-elect appreciates Boyd Patterson and Fred Houser for their passion, hard work, and dedication to our city."

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Source: http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/21895263/mayor-elect-dismantles

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