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

Tierra Hayes, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

Jul. 17—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.”

Collegedale City Manager Wayon Hines said in an email that Sapp earned the promotion after working with the city for more than 17 years and that he believes the new chief will help curb turnover in the department.

“He knows the city, the residents, the department’s strengths and the department’s improvement opportunities,” Hines said. “During his time as interim, he sought out improvements and showed initiative to become the best department we can be.”