LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) 08/07/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: Addressing Crime Concerns and Defining the Committee's Role

The Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) convened on August 7, 2019, for a meeting focused primarily on addressing rising crime rates and clarifying the committee's role within the city’s system of oversight. The meeting, attended by Police Chief Smith and various community members, provided a detailed look at current crime trends, police initiatives, and ongoing discussions about improving community relations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a regional crime assessment, revealing concerning increases in several categories across Asheville. Vehicle thefts are up significantly compared to previous years (38.4 monthly thefts this year versus 22 historically), and motor vehicle break-ins and thefts have reached a five-year high. Crime rates also saw increases in North Asheville (residential break-ins) and Central Asheville (deaths, assaults, burglaries), prompting discussion about targeted interventions. While South Asheville saw a slight reduction in crime, the overall picture painted by the presentation highlighted a growing need for proactive solutions. Officer Wilson detailed efforts within the Central District to address property crime, homelessness, and community concerns, emphasizing that many crimes are preventable through increased vigilance.

Beyond the crime data, a key discussion revolved around CPAC’s authority and ability to influence change. Several community members voiced concerns that the committee's current scope of power felt limited, particularly in directly advising the police department. A notable exchange occurred when community member Carl questioned the clarity of CPAC’s role and authority, advocating for clearer direction from City Council. The committee explored potential avenues to amplify its voice, with a focus on collaborating with the Human Relations Commission (HRCA) and potentially pursuing mediation proposals. There's a clear understanding that seeking clarification from City Council regarding CPAC’s scope of authority is crucial moving forward.

Community input was a vital part of the meeting, with residents sharing both concerns and positive experiences. Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of a recent Citizen Times article about hate groups, prompting a commitment from the committee to investigate. Conversely, positive feedback was shared regarding improved interactions with police officers and their responsiveness to community needs. This highlighted a desire for ongoing dialogue about what "community policing" truly means in Asheville.

What's Next? Key Action Items & Impact for Residents:

Following the discussions, several key action items were identified that will directly impact residents:

• CPAC & HRCA Collaboration: CPAC will actively explore ways to partner with the Human Relations Commission (HRCA) to broaden its reach and influence.
• City Council Guidance: The committee will seek clarification from City Council regarding its authority and limitations, aiming for a clearer understanding of how CPAC can best serve the community.
• Officer Wilson's Outreach: Officer Wilson will continue engaging with various community groups and organizations to foster open communication and address local concerns.
• Racial Equity Training Consideration: The committee will explore encouraging police department members to participate in the Racial Equity Institute (REI) training, furthering efforts toward equitable policing practices.
• Citizen Times Article Review: CPAC will investigate the concerns raised about the accuracy of information in the Citizen Times article regarding hate groups, ensuring transparency and accurate reporting.

This meeting underscored a shared commitment to addressing crime trends and improving police-community relations in Asheville. The discussions surrounding CPAC’s role highlight a desire for greater clarity and influence, ultimately aiming to create a more responsive and accountable system of oversight that directly benefits residents. The committee’s next steps, particularly the exploration of collaboration with HRCA and seeking guidance from City Council, will be crucial in achieving this goal.