By: Chloe Smith
The Collegedale Police Department (CPD) recently released its 2024 annual report, showcasing changes in the city’s crime statistics..
According to a press release issued by the CPD, the department attributes its achievements to the commitment of its officers and the support of the Collegedale community.
“Our officers work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of public safety,” Chief Jack Sapp stated in the report. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing crime, and we remain committed to continuous improvements in our service to the community.”
In the report, Collegedale saw a notable decrease in driving under the influence (DUI) charges, with a 45.3% decrease in the last year. In an interview with the Accent, Jamie Heath, the assistant chief of police, credited this significant reduction to a traffic grant the police department received from the State of Tennessee.
According to Heath, the department has officers who work on that traffic grant to improve road safety.
“They’re getting compensated to go out there and make sure the roads are safe,” Heath said.
Another category that saw a significant improvement was drug-related crime, with a decrease of 18.9%. According to Heath, the police department also has two drug recognition experts on staff, Sergeant Ben Parker and Officer Derek Saxe, who are certified for advanced field sobriety techniques.
Other crimes that saw reductions were burglary, with an 8.3% decrease and assault, with a 24.3% decrease.
While showcasing much improvement, the department also expressed an intent to maintain transparency by revealing some statistics that had increased. Among these were theft, domestic assaults, child abuse and elder abuse.
“They’re still relatively small numbers, which we’re thankful for,” Heath said.
According to the news release, the Collegedale Police Department recognizes these concerns regarding abuse and is working with social services and other law enforcement partners to improve them.
The department has already made a difference in the safety of the community through various partnerships, the release stated. In 2021, the Collegedale police began the Chief’s Roundtable Advisory Committee, which contained officers, community members and a commissioner. According to Heath, the goal for this committee was to obtain different perspectives.
“If you want to be effective, you’ve got to get to know people face-to-face,” said Heath.
Due to changes in Tennessee law, the committee had to come to a close, as they were no longer allowed to meet, according to Heath. With the committee dismantled, this left a hole for community partnership that the Collegedale Police Department was determined to somehow fill.
“We had to get creative and try to figure out ways to do that,” Heath said.
According to Heath, the Collegedale Police began forming relationships with businesses in the area.
“Some of our businesses that sell alcohol, the detectives will go in there and they’ll get to know them,” Heath said. “There’s a relationship there… It’s just getting to know people one-on-one.”
Community members can find the full 2024 annual report on the Collegedale Police Department’s website and social media platforms.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Sapp stated in the press release, “and we encourage residents to remain vigilant and engaged in efforts to help us keep Collegedale a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
