The Search for a New Police Chief

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Retiring Chattanooga Chief

Jimmie Dotson

Chief Dotson came to Chattanooga in 1997 after a 23-year career in Houston, Texas, serving as Assistant Police Chief in Houston from 1990-1997. He was a finalist to replace former Nashville Chief Bob Kirchner and was among the final candidates for the Louisville, KY police chief position in 2002. Chief Dotson announced on 12/4/03 that he will be stepping down as Chattanooga's Police Chief effective February 1, 2004.

Larry Wallace

The Search for Dotson's replacement was headed by Former Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Director Larry Wallace.

On 1/13/04 Mayor Bob Corker announced that Wallace, who was hired hired as a consultant in the city's search for a police chief, would get the job himself, with the City Council's approval. Wallace said that he was ready to begin work in the $118,500-a-year job.

A 40-year law enforcement veteran, Wallace retired from TBI on 11/30/03 after 11 years in a job that paid $92,376 annually.

1/20/04 - Wallace says, "No"

Mayor Bob Corker said Wallace withdrew from consideration because of the ''type and tone of questions'' he was asked after the mayor chose him for the job.

According to City Council member Yusuf Hakeem said while questioning Wallace that he had information indicating that Wallace's record of hiring blacks at TBI was ''atrocious.''

1/30/04 - Veteran Insider Appointed Chief

On the last business day before Chief Dotson's departure, Mayor Corker announced that Chattanooga Deputy Chief Steve Parks would be his replacement. Chief Parks took office on 02/03/04 after a unanimous vote of approval by the Chattanooga City Council.