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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

UTC police now wearing body cameras

Chattanooga Police Lt. Mark Smeltzer holds a body camera as he discusses them at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Chattanooga Police Lt. Mark Smeltzer holds a body camera as he discusses them at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Officers with the UTC police department are now wearing body cameras, the university announced Wednesday.

Officers have been wearing the body cameras for about a week now.

University officials researched the use of body cameras for several months before making the decision to implement their use, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga police Chief Robert Ratchford said in a statement.

The university’s police department modeled its policy for body cameras after the Chattanooga Police Department’s policy.

A little smaller than a pack of cigarettes, the camera, worn on the officer’s chest, is turned on as soon as the officer receives a call. A circular red light on the front of the camera indicates that it’s recording.