Home Digital Fame Alert 1

The 5 Biggest Challenges Facing The Collegedale TN Police Department In 2025

• minute read
Contents

The Collegedale Police Department (CPD) in Tennessee is currently navigating one of its most challenging and high-profile years to date, with a focus on both major criminal investigations and significant legal scrutiny. As of December 2025, the department, serving the City of Collegedale and its residents, including the Southern Adventist University community, remains at the forefront of local law enforcement, but its operations are being defined by a recent civil rights lawsuit and continued proactive efforts against human trafficking.

The department, situated in Hamilton County, has seen its name appear in federal court documents this year, signaling a period of intense public and legal review. Simultaneously, the CPD has been lauded for its multi-agency operations that resulted in high-profile arrests, underscoring its commitment to public safety in the greater Chattanooga area. This article provides a deep dive into the 2025 landscape of the Collegedale Police Department, its leadership, and the critical issues shaping its future.

Chief Jack Sapp: Biography and Department Leadership Profile

Chief Jack Sapp is the head of the Collegedale Police Department, overseeing all operational, administrative, and investigative functions. He is a key figure in law enforcement across Hamilton County, working closely with neighboring agencies like the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Chattanooga Police Department.

Chief Jack Sapp Profile:

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, Collegedale Police Department (CPD)
  • Jurisdiction: City of Collegedale, Tennessee
  • Key Responsibilities: Directing the Office of the Chief, managing Department Policies, overseeing the Support Services Division, and representing the department in city governance.
  • Recent Events (2025): Named as a defendant in a high-profile civil rights lawsuit filed in the Tennessee Eastern District Court. He also delivered closing remarks at the department's annual Awards Banquet, emphasizing the CPD's mission and core values.
  • Contact: (423) 468-1877; jsapp@collegedaletn.gov (as listed on Tennessee Municipal Police Chiefs resources).
  • Address: Collegedale Police Department, 4910 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, TN 37315-1880.

Chief Sapp's leadership is centered on rigorous training and community engagement, aiming to foster a strong relationship between officers and the Collegedale community. His tenure has seen a focus on specialized units and collaboration with state and federal entities, which has recently yielded significant results in complex criminal cases.

The September 2025 Civil Rights Lawsuit: Pawelczyk v. Collegedale Police Department

One of the most significant legal challenges facing the CPD in 2025 is the federal civil rights lawsuit, *Pawelczyk v. Collegedale Police Department et al*. Filed on September 10, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Tennessee Eastern District Court, the case names the Collegedale Police Department, the City of Collegedale, TN, Chief Jack C Sapp, and Officer Andrew Carter as defendants.

The lawsuit is categorized under "Civil Rights - Other Civil Rights" and cites 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal statute that allows citizens to sue state and local government officials for deprivation of rights under the color of law. While the specific allegations remain under judicial review, the filing of such a federal case against the department and its chief is a serious matter that demands public attention and legal resources.

The outcome of this case, which is currently docketed as 1:25-cv-00290, will be closely watched by legal observers and the Collegedale community. It is a critical test of the department's policies and procedures, particularly concerning officer conduct and adherence to constitutional rights. The department's official response and defense strategy in the coming months will be crucial in defining its legal standing and public image.

High-Profile Multi-Agency Operations and Arrests in 2025

Despite the legal challenges, the Collegedale Police Department has demonstrated a strong commitment to proactive law enforcement, particularly through joint operations targeting severe crimes. The most notable achievement in 2025 was a coordinated effort that resulted in multiple human trafficking and solicitation arrests.

The Chick-fil-A Incident and Human Trafficking Bust

In May 2025, the CPD was involved in a major incident that led to an arrest on multiple felony charges, including Solicitation of a Minor and Human Trafficking. This operation began with a suspicious activity call at the Chick-fil-A located at 8959 Old Lee Highway. The ensuing investigation led to the arrest of a man, who was subsequently booked into the Hamilton County Jail.

This success highlights the department’s collaboration with external law enforcement partners. The CPD often works with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Human Trafficking Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on complex cases. These joint efforts are vital in combating organized crime and protecting vulnerable populations in the region, including students and the general public near major thoroughfares like Apison Pike.

The department's focus on these types of crimes demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond routine traffic enforcement and local disputes, positioning the CPD as a key player in regional efforts to combat human exploitation.

Community Engagement and Departmental Infrastructure Updates

The CPD maintains a robust schedule of community-focused initiatives, which are essential for building trust and gathering intelligence. These programs are managed through the Support Services Division and are a core part of the department's philosophy.

  • Annual Easter Egg Hunt: The Collegedale Police Department continues its tradition of hosting community events, such as the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, which was scheduled for April 2025. These events provide positive interaction between officers and local families.
  • Training and Policies: The CPD places a high priority on officer training, ensuring personnel are up-to-date on best practices and departmental policies. The department also provides dedicated resources for critical issues like Domestic Violence Help.
  • Collaboration with Southern Adventist University: Given the city's role as a college town, the CPD works closely with the Southern Adventist University Campus Safety and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department on matters related to student security and the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
  • Infrastructure Awareness: The department keeps the public informed on major local developments, such as the ongoing Apison Pike Construction and Greenway/Sidewalk projects, which impact traffic and public safety within their jurisdiction.

By focusing on both high-stakes criminal investigations and consistent community outreach, the Collegedale Police Department strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all residents, visitors, and students in the City of Collegedale.

The 5 Biggest Challenges Facing the Collegedale TN Police Department in 2025
collegedale tn police department
collegedale tn police department

Detail Author:

  • Name : Carson Senger
  • Username : elisa.kemmer
  • Email : kara.aufderhar@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1970-03-24
  • Address : 8136 Feest Parkways Melanybury, NJ 41209
  • Phone : 1-972-539-9603
  • Company : Mueller, Lehner and Pfannerstill
  • Job : Signal Repairer OR Track Switch Repairer
  • Bio : Dolor vitae explicabo sit consequatur pariatur rerum similique autem. Adipisci sequi ut ut. Ut distinctio a nihil dolore. Quo illo rerum voluptatem eum et.

Socials

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/hermanne
  • username : hermanne
  • bio : Maiores earum quas in laborum aliquam. Sint vitae voluptas minus ut est.
  • followers : 1980
  • following : 2011

instagram:

facebook:

Random Posts