Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby DoddA day after two bombs killed 3 and injured about 150 people at the Boston Marathon, Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd said law enforcement's priority is the safety and security of the community.
"We have received several calls and emails today regarding the Boston Marathon bombings and how safety measures are implemented here in Chattanooga during large events," Dodd said in a statement.
"Without going into specific detail of our operations and security plans, we want to assure you that the number one priority of the Chattanooga Police Department is the safety of our citizens," he said.
Police operations and security plans for large events have changed dramatically since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he said.
Chattanooga has two major events in coming months - Riverbend and the U.S. Pro Championship Road Race.
"Our goal is to provide a safe and secure event for all participants and spectators," Dodd said.
"To achieve this goal, we have been discussing safety measures with multiple agencies for the past year and will take all necessary precautions to address any threat of violence before, during, or after the event."
Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.