Two words found their way into almost every question on solutions to Chattanooga’s crime problem — responsibility and involvement.
More than 120 residents were in Bessie Smith Hall on Wednesday for the first panel discussion by Stand, the local group that organized a citywide survey about Chattanooga’s problems and solutions.
For an hour, police and local crime prevention leaders answered questions about how to combat crime and improve safety in the city. The meeting grew out of a 2009 survey in which Stand asked more than 26,000 local residents about their top concerns for the area. Crime was the top concern.
“Take responsibility for yourself. Take responsibility for your community,” said Chattanooga police Sgt. Toby Hewitt, a panel member.