New Collegedale police chief updates pursuit policy, works to make lasting change on department

Tierra Hayes, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

Collegedale’s new police chief, Jack Sapp, is working to change the culture of the police department, including an update to the city’s vehicle pursuit policy and a focus on community policing.

Sapp was announced as the new chief on June 24, while he was serving as acting chief after the resignation of Chief Brian Hickman in February. Hickman was under scrutiny and investigation after a pursuit of a suspect in his personal vehicle.

“I think there’s certainly changes and improvements that we need to make,” Sapp said in an interview with the Times Free Press. “And I think we’re certainly on the right path to do that. And that … starts with some cultural change. That starts with policy.”