Major crimes detective fired for DUI and for striking mother-in-law

David Catchings' mugshots from his first and second arrest
David Catchings' mugshots from his first and second arrest
photo A Chattanooga police major crimes detective was arrested Wednesday morning his second arrest in four months. David Catchings, 34, has been charged with domestic assault after allegedly striking his mother-in-law in the face. Catchings is already under investigation and on administrative leave from the police department after he was arrested in September for driving under the influence. Plus, between Karl Fields and Catchings' absences, the CPD major crimes division is shorthanded.

Detective David Catchings Jr. was fired from the Chattanooga Police Department Monday after he was charged with driving under the influence and domestic assault in two separate incidents in late 2014.

According to a statement released by CPD, a complete review of both investigations found him responsible for unbecoming conduct in both instances and improper dissemination of information in the domestic assault.

atchings was arrested twice in 2014, while he was working as a major crimes detective. He was first arrested in September and charged with DUI after a witness called police because Catchings was weaving dangerously through traffic.

When the officer pulled Catchings over, the 35-year-old's speech was slurred and he didn't know where he was going. The car was filled with empty beer bottles.

Catchings was arrested again on New Year's Eve after he allegedly got into a fight with his mother-in-law and struck her in the face.

He is out on bond for his criminal charges, but was recently taken to task by Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes for failing to attended a court-mandated alcoholic treatment program.

Catchings has not yet been indicted on either charge. According to a statement released by CPD, Fletcher will request Catchings be decertified as a Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission qualified police officer.

On Monday, the CPD was about to fire another officer for an unrelated charge of theft, but he resigned first.

What is decertification?

As opposed to termination of employment by a local department, which does not prevent the officer from being rehired by a different department, revocation of the certificate prevents the officer from continuing to serve in law enforcement in the state. A state agency, Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), has the authority to hold hearings and impose sanctions against police officers that have engaged in serious misconduct as defined in the statute or regulation. Known as revocation, decertification or cancellation, this practice ensures officers cannot continue to serve as law enforcement officers in the state by suspending or removing state certification.

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