(Part 2 of 2) LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) 07/03/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: Addressing Community Concerns and Police Practices

On July 3, 2019, the Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a meeting focused on community engagement, police department training, and addressing significant concerns raised by both CPAC members and the public. This recap summarizes key discussions, decisions, and next steps for Asheville residents.

A primary focus of the meeting was addressing community perceptions surrounding police interactions, particularly within the Black community. A citizen brought forward concerns regarding a recent arrest incident, suggesting that the individual was treated differently compared to similar situations involving others. This sparked a robust discussion about the role of perception, potential biases within police training, and how to bridge the gap between community expectations and perceived realities. The committee emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and transparency to address these concerns, with a commitment from APD leadership to be more accessible and responsive.

Beyond addressing specific incidents, the meeting also tackled broader concerns about police department conduct. A concerned citizen, Michael Beach, presented serious allegations regarding APD officers potentially participating in online groups associated with white supremacist views. Referencing a report by Reveal and the Center for Investigating Reporting, Beach highlighted the need to thoroughly investigate these claims. The committee acknowledged the gravity of the situation and agreed that the APD will conduct an investigation into these allegations, ensuring a review and wider public availability of the department's social media policy to reinforce expectations for officer conduct both on and off duty.

Several logistical decisions were made during the meeting that will impact future community engagement. The committee postponed a vote regarding an upcoming election, opting to revisit the matter at their next meeting on August 7th. They also finalized plans for a community meeting scheduled for August 7th at the Grant Center, starting at 6:00 PM. This meeting will feature community concerns, personnel updates from the APD and a presentation on grant funding. A proposal to shift CPAC’s regular monthly meetings from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM was ultimately rejected, with the committee deciding to maintain the current schedule.

The meeting also included valuable community input. A representative from ABCCM (A Helping Hand, Center for Medical Care) made a request to the community for donations of essential items like blankets, towels, and toiletries. Additionally, Carol raised concerns about the implementation of city council-approved consent search policies, requesting clarification on their current status.

Looking Ahead: Key Action Items for Residents to Watch

• APD Investigation: The Asheville Police Department will investigate the concerns raised regarding potential online activity of officers, a critical step towards ensuring accountability and public trust.
• Social Media Policy Review: Residents can expect to see a renewed focus on the accessibility and enforcement of the APD’s social media policy.
• Community Meeting: Mark your calendars for August 7th at the Grant Center to engage directly with CPAC and APD leadership.
• Continued Dialogue: The committee emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between CPAC, APD staff, and the community.

This meeting highlighted a commitment from both CPAC and the APD to address critical concerns regarding police practices, community perceptions, and transparency. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing efforts and participate in future CPAC meetings to contribute to a more collaborative and accountable relationship between the police department and the community it serves.