(Part 2 of 4) LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting 06/05/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: June 5, 2019 (Part 2 of 4)

This recap summarizes the Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held on June 5, 2019. The meeting focused primarily on crime statistics, community safety concerns, and administrative matters related to CPAC itself. The discussion highlighted a desire for greater transparency from the Asheville Police Department (APD) regarding data sharing, particularly concerning traffic stops and consent searches.

Discussion Highlights: Crime Trends & Data Transparency

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing crime statistics across Asheville’s various neighborhoods. Data indicated concerns in areas like West, East, and South Asheville regarding fraud cases (including card skimmers), while residential burglaries were a concern in the North. Central Asheville saw simple assaults downtown, and East Asheville experienced increased property crime along Tunnel Road. The committee also discussed a concerning rise in gun violence city-wide and hotspots for various crimes, like Mills Gap Road (commercial burglary & theft) and Shiloh (assaults, shootings).

Beyond the statistics themselves, a major point of discussion centered on data transparency. Community members raised concerns about the lack of consent search data available on the city’s open data portal. While traffic stop data is present, it's updated quarterly, creating a delay in real-time information. The committee explored the different data collection methods used by APD (Accurate vs. RFS) and how these impact the information available to the public, emphasizing a need for consistent and readily accessible data.

Community Input: Addressing Policing Concerns & Event Disparities

Several community members shared their perspectives, raising important concerns. One speaker highlighted an article written by a young person detailing experiences with racial bias in policing, sparking further discussion. A recurring theme was the perception of disproportionate police presence at certain events (like The Plug) compared to others, potentially impacting community perception. Concerns were also voiced about a perceived lack of transparency and accountability surrounding police interactions, particularly in cases involving searches. Residents emphasized the importance of reporting incidents to APD and cautioned against relying solely on social media accounts for accurate information.

Key Decisions & Action Items: Moving Forward Together

While no formal votes were taken during this portion of the meeting, several key action items emerged. CPAC members are encouraged to apply for participation in National Night Out (August 6th), with a strong emphasis on encouraging officers to engage positively with the community. The APD has committed to investigating concerns regarding police presence at specific events and addressing parking issues in the Hawk Creek area, which have been exacerbated by relocation efforts from Lee Walker Heights.

Crucially, the APD will continue working to improve data transparency and make traffic stop/consent search information more readily available. CPAC will prioritize a fair and transparent election process for electing a new chair at the next meeting, ensuring community representation. Finally, ongoing collaboration with the Rape Crisis Center regarding blind reporting options and data sharing was reaffirmed.

Why This Matters to Asheville Residents

This meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of CPAC and APD to address community concerns regarding policing practices. The discussions surrounding data transparency are particularly significant, as accessible and timely information empowers residents to understand crime trends, hold law enforcement accountable, and actively participate in creating a safer Asheville for everyone. The focus on community engagement through events like National Night Out and facilitated discussions highlights a shared desire to build stronger relationships between residents and the police department. The concerns raised by community members about equitable policing practices demonstrate a commitment to ensuring fair and just treatment for all Asheville residents.

This recap aims to provide a clear overview of the meeting's key points and actions for those interested in understanding the discussions surrounding policing and community safety in Asheville.