Chattanooga’s new police chief was officially sworn in Friday during a ceremony that emphasized his longtime service to the city.
Chief John Chambers, who has been operating in the role since the Chattanooga City Council approved his appointment Sept. 17, spoke about addressing the trauma at the root of crime and investing in the wellness of officers and residents.
“A lot of what we do is treat symptoms, and we don’t take the time to look at causation,” Chambers said.
(READ MORE: Chambers chosen as new Chattanooga police chief)
Chambers said he’s seen trauma as an officer, starting at 20 years old, but that doesn’t compare to the effect trauma has on children exposed to it at home and in their neighborhoods.