LIVE @ Asheville Citizens / Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) 10/02/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: October 2, 2019 – Focusing on Police Chief Search, Crime Trends & Community Engagement

The Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a comprehensive meeting on October 2, 2019, addressing key issues impacting public safety and police-community relations. The meeting was attended by City Founder Geller Campbell, Interim Police Chief Robert White, Captain Douglas, and various community members. This recap provides a clear overview of the discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents to stay informed.

Police Chief Search & Crime Statistics Dominate Discussion: A significant portion of the meeting revolved around two major topics: the ongoing search for a new Police Chief and current crime trends within Asheville. Following the departure of former Chief Chris Bailey, the search process is underway with support from the Police Executive Research Forum. The committee anticipates an announcement and start date for the new chief in late December/early January or February. Captain Douglas presented detailed crime statistics, revealing a 20% decrease in overall civil activity city-wide. While burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle cleanings have decreased, there’s been an increase in assaults and fraud. Specific areas of concern include the Hisco View area, experiencing gun-related incidents, and residential areas along Haywood Road, French Broad River Park, and Five Points, which are experiencing property crime hotspots. Discussions highlighted the seasonal nature of crime, typically increasing during summer months due to increased activity and accessibility.

Community Engagement & Collaboration Initiatives: CPAC is actively exploring ways to strengthen community ties and improve police accountability. A new Community Outreach Task Force, led by Jerry, is being formed to engage with key community partners like YMI, Black Lives Matter, Steady Collective, and the YWCA. The goal is to invite these groups for feedback and participation in CPAC meetings, as well as exploring smaller community engagement opportunities. A significant discussion also centered on potential collaboration with the Human Relations Commission (HRCA). While no formal decision was made, the committee is seriously considering options that could include joint meetings and leveraging HRCA’s research resources. The possibility of dissolving CPAC and merging with HRCA was raised, but will require further consideration.

Community Voices Heard & Important Training Updates: Public comment provided valuable insights and concerns from residents. Bea Williams, representing the NAACP Criminal Justice Committee, emphasized the importance of community partnerships and restorative justice practices. Concerns were also raised regarding the transparency of the police chief hiring process and the handling of students involved in an incident at Asher Middle School. The committee also discussed the upcoming implementation of Epic Training, a program designed to promote proactive prevention of force and encourage officers to intervene when witnessing misconduct. All APD officers will receive this training, with classes scheduled for October 28th and 29th. Finally, the School Justice Partnership was clarified – while some students have been referred to court, charges haven't been filed and many are being diverted into programs.

What Happens Next & Why It Matters: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents directly:

• City Attorney Meeting: The City Manager and Captain will meet with the city attorney to discuss a mediation proposal.
• HRCA Collaboration: Continued exploration of collaborative opportunities with HRCA, potentially leading to joint meetings and shared resources.
• Community Outreach: Jerry will continue outreach efforts to engage community partners in CPAC’s work.
• Future Planning: The committee will consider scheduling a strategic planning retreat to define future goals and priorities.
• Data Request: CPAC requested combined citywide crime data to facilitate easier analysis and inform future discussions.
• Transportation Site: Keith will discuss the transportation site with the board and commission meeting.

This meeting demonstrated CPAC’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and improving public safety in Asheville. Residents can expect ongoing updates on the police chief search, efforts to address crime trends, and initiatives aimed at fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Stay informed by following CPAC's progress as they work to shape a safer and more equitable Asheville for all.