LIVE @ Asheville Police Chief Search Community Update 5/13/19

Asheville Police Chief Search Update: Community Meeting Recap

On May 13, 2019, the City of Asheville held a community update meeting to provide information on the ongoing search for a new Chief of Police. The meeting, which included Spanish translation and childcare services to ensure accessibility, aimed to inform residents about the process and gather feedback. City Manager Deborah Campbell facilitated the meeting, beginning with an informal welcome circle to encourage open conversation amongst attendees.

The primary focus of the meeting was outlining the steps taken so far in the search, which began in January/February 2019 with a concerted effort to gather community input. This feedback directly shaped the “job profile” for the new Police Chief, developed in collaboration with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a national organization specializing in police leadership. The profile emphasizes five key areas: visionary and transparent leadership, deep community engagement, strong management skills, a commitment to inclusion and diversity, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. To date, the city has received 89 applications from a diverse pool of candidates nationwide.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community discussion and addressing concerns. Carol Roba Foster, a veteran of the Community Policing Advisory Committee (CPAC), raised questions about consistent understanding and implementation of community policing within the department. Pastor Domeka Jo Wilder emphasized the importance of a new Chief understanding Asheville’s unique and diverse neighborhoods. Holden and Maddie, representing an organization that live streams public meetings and assists with public records requests, also provided a brief introduction. A community member inquired about the possibility of including citizen representation on the interview panel, but City Manager Campbell explained that maintaining internal decision-making was crucial to protecting the recruitment process from undue public scrutiny and ensuring a strong candidate pool.

Looking ahead, the City Manager anticipates making a final decision on the Police Chief selection in late May or early June. The process will involve a review of applications and interviews conducted by the City Manager and a designated panel. Following the selection, the city plans to publicly announce the chosen candidate, potentially with a community celebration. Importantly, Campbell reiterated the city's commitment to ongoing community engagement and collaborative problem-solving throughout this process. Residents can stay informed by accessing meeting recordings on YouTube, and contact information for further inquiries is readily available.

This search process represents a significant opportunity to shape the future of policing in Asheville, and the city's emphasis on community input reflects a commitment to transparency and responsiveness. While the final decision rests with the City Manager, residents are encouraged to continue engaging in discussions about community safety and police leadership.