After 12 shootings in seven days left 12 people wounded and one person dead, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke today said he will be taking new measures to try to combat violence.
In a press release, Berke said he will create a group of citizens to work with young men and women, fostering relationships in an attempt to keep kids out of trouble, especially during the summer.
The group, dubbed the "Citizen Safety Coalition," will be chaired by Olivet Baptist Church Bishop Kevin Adams and Brainerd High School Vice Principal Charles Mitchell.
The mayor also said he will "expedite the acquisition" of a ballistics system that will allow police to quickly match particular bullets to particular guns. The police department had already requested funding for the system, called the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, in this year's upcoming budget, but the mayor's pledge should speed up the purchase.
Berke did not say how quickly the system will be available or how much it will cost.
Stay with the Times Free Press for updates on this developing story.