(Part 2 of 2) LIVE @ Asheville Citizens/Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting 05/01/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: May 1, 2019 (Part 2) – Crime Data, Community Engagement & Police Chief Search Updates

The Asheville Citizens/Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held its second part of the May 1st meeting, focusing on a range of topics impacting public safety and community relations with law enforcement. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for Asheville residents.

Understanding Crime Trends in Our City: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing April 2019 crime data. Presenters highlighted areas of concern, including a high concentration of violent crimes (particularly assaults related to domestic incidents) in downtown Asheville. Property crime remains a concern around the National Mall and surrounding businesses, with shootings being a significant factor. While Hallsbury experiences relatively limited criminal activity, an increase in residential burglaries was noted. Importantly, CPAC emphasized the accessibility of this data to residents through the Community Crime Maps dashboard (accessible via LexisNexis), allowing individuals to search by address, date range and set up crime alerts – a valuable tool for staying informed about safety in your neighborhood.

Moving Towards Proactive Community Dialogue: CPAC is exploring a new initiative aimed at fostering proactive conversations between citizens, stakeholders, and community groups. The goal is to move beyond reactive crisis management by creating spaces for ongoing dialogue about public safety concerns. This initiative will require volunteers, and committee members stressed the importance of adhering to North Carolina laws regarding meeting sizes. This is a significant step towards building stronger relationships between the community and law enforcement, allowing for open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Police Chief Search Progress & Community Voice: The search for a new Police Chief is underway, and CPAC provided updates on the process. On May 13th, city staff will present community input that shaped the profile for potential candidates at a public meeting. The vetting process is expected to begin mid-May, with the hope of announcing the selected candidate in late May or June. This demonstrates a commitment to incorporating community perspectives into a critical leadership decision for the Asheville Police Department.

Other Important Updates & Recognition: The committee briefly discussed a minor amendment to their rules of order, currently under review by the city legal department. Members also shared positive experiences with the Asheville State Police Academy program, encouraging others to consider participating. Finally, a heartfelt tribute was paid to the late Retired Lieutenant Paul Robertson, recognizing his over 30 years of dedicated service to the Asheville Police Department.

What's Next & How You Can Get Involved:

• Rules of Order Amendment: Keep an eye out for updates as the city legal department and Board of Commissions review this minor adjustment.
• Community Discussion Initiative: If you're interested in volunteering to help plan and facilitate community discussions, contact the CPAC.
• Police Chief Search: Attend the public meeting on May 13th to hear how community input shaped the candidate profile.
• Stay Informed: Utilize the Community Crime Maps dashboard to access crime data and stay informed about safety trends in your area.

This meeting highlighted CPAC’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency, foster community engagement, and ensure accountability within the Asheville Police Department. By staying informed and participating in these initiatives, residents can play a vital role in shaping a safer and more connected Asheville.