LIVE @ City of Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting. 03/07/2018

Recap of March 7, 2018 City of Asheville CPAC Meeting: Addressing Community Concerns Regarding Police Conduct

On March 7, 2018, the City of Asheville’s Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a public meeting focused on hearing citizen concerns regarding the Asheville Police Department (APD). This wasn’t a formal decision-making meeting, but rather an open forum for residents to share their experiences and perspectives with the CPAC. A large crowd attended, demonstrating a significant level of community interest in police accountability and transparency.

The primary focus of the meeting was citizen concerns surrounding a recent incident involving excessive force by a former APD officer, Chris Hickman, against Dr. John Rush. However, this incident served as a catalyst for broader discussions about systemic issues within the APD and its relationship with the community, particularly the Black community. Many speakers highlighted a history of distrust stemming from concerns about over-policing, racial profiling, and what they perceived as a lack of responsiveness to citizen complaints. A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the urgent need for greater police accountability and transparency, with citizens questioning the processes surrounding internal investigations and access to police records. Several speakers passionately called for a fundamental shift in APD’s operations, directly addressing the role of systemic racism in policing practices.

While no formal votes were taken during this forum, a significant development occurred when Chief of Police Mike Lamb announced that the APD would immediately initiate criminal investigations in cases involving excessive force. This commitment, while welcomed by some, was met with skepticism from others who questioned whether it would be enough to address the deeper systemic issues. Throughout the meeting, community members shared deeply personal stories and expressed a range of emotions – anger, frustration, and distrust. Dolores Stonewall’s speech was particularly impactful, emphasizing the need for fundamental change to address systemic racism within the police department.

Following extensive public comment, a CPAC member suggested recommending to City Council that they research and consider adopting a model similar to those used in other North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Durham, and Greensboro. These models allow citizen review boards access to police footage – a key demand from many residents seeking greater oversight. The CPAC indicated their willingness to continue listening to citizen concerns and working towards solutions, but the future of the CPAC itself remains uncertain as City Council is currently considering its continued existence and membership.

This meeting underscored a clear need for greater accountability, transparency, and community involvement in policing practices within Asheville. The concerns voiced by residents highlight a significant disconnect between the APD and many members of the community, particularly within minority communities. The outcome of City Council’s deliberations regarding CPAC and any resulting policy changes will be crucial in determining whether these concerns are addressed, ultimately impacting the safety and trust within our city. Residents can expect to see a transcript of this meeting made available, providing a valuable record of the community's concerns and perspectives.