LIVE @ Asheville Police Chief Finalists Community Meeting 12/17/19

Asheville Police Chief Search: Community Meeting Recap

On December 17, 2019, the City of Asheville held a public meeting to introduce three finalists for the position of Police Chief and gather community feedback. This event followed an extensive recruitment process that incorporated input from residents to define the qualities desired in a new leader for the Asheville Police Department. The meeting, attended by City Manager Bethany Campbell, members of the search panel (including representatives from city government, law enforcement agencies like the Fire Department and Sheriff's Office, and community members), and a large number of Asheville residents, provided an opportunity for the public to hear from the candidates and share their perspectives.

The meeting centered on introducing finalists James Nolette, Maurice Robinson, and David Zapp, each of whom participated in a question-and-answer session. A key theme throughout the discussions was community policing, with candidates outlining their approaches to building trust, addressing concerns about bias within the department, and ensuring accountability. Discussions also touched on crucial topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion training for officers, as well as the importance of engaging with the school system to address behavioral challenges. Several residents raised concerns about officer visibility and responsiveness, specifically questioning whether officers were actively engaging with the community or simply observing from parked vehicles. Another concern voiced was a perceived lack of police response to certain issues within the community.

While no formal votes were taken, the meeting served as a vital opportunity for citizen input. Attendees were encouraged to submit written feedback on the candidates, and numerous questions from the audience highlighted residents’ priorities for a new Police Chief. Candidates responded to these concerns, with James Nolette emphasizing transparency and accountability, Maurice Robinson stressing a "guardianship mindset" within the department, and David Zapp highlighting his experience in addressing issues of racism within law enforcement. City Manager Campbell reiterated her commitment to considering all feedback received, despite retaining the final decision-making authority.

Following the community meeting, several key action items have been identified. The City is currently collecting written feedback from attendees and will also be reviewing input gathered from police officers who met with the finalists prior to the public forum. The search panel, including Campbell, will then thoroughly review all feedback and discuss their recommendations internally before presenting them to the City Manager. The final decision on who will lead the Asheville Police Department is expected in early January, with an anticipated start date for the new Chief in late January or early February.

This process is significant for Asheville residents as it demonstrates a commitment to community involvement in selecting the individual who will oversee public safety. The feedback gathered during this meeting, alongside input from police officers and the search panel's deliberations, will directly influence the selection of a new Police Chief – a leader who will be tasked with building trust, ensuring accountability, and addressing the evolving needs of our community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the final decision and future initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and Asheville’s diverse population.