LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) 10/3/18

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: Focusing on Community Engagement, Transparency, and Future Directions

The Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a productive meeting on October 3, 2018, outlining key priorities and laying the groundwork for increased engagement with both the Asheville Police Department (APD) and the broader community. The meeting, attended by CPAC members, city representatives, and concerned citizens, centered on strategic planning, internal procedures, and ongoing efforts to improve police-community relations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions surrounding CPAC’s role in shaping priorities for the upcoming year, aligning with the city's budget cycle. While no immediate decisions were made on specific strategies, members agreed that a dedicated session or subcommittee should be formed to develop clear goals for the committee. Alongside this, discussions revolved around filling the vacant housing resident board member position, with plans underway to broaden outreach efforts through a smaller CPAC working group. The committee also formally adopted revised rules of order, streamlining meeting procedures and clarifying quorum requirements – a move aimed at ensuring efficient and transparent operations.

A core theme throughout the meeting was enhancing community engagement, particularly regarding APD's implementation of the 21st Century Policing initiative. Concerns were raised about ensuring that community input isn't merely documented, but actively shapes the plan’s development. Members emphasized the need for CPAC to be a true liaison between APD and residents, actively participating in shaping Lieutenant assignments to various community groups. This focus on engagement was further underscored by a robust public comment period where residents voiced concerns about rising violence and urged CPAC to address the root causes of crime, emphasizing the importance of including community members in planning processes. One commenter specifically questioned whether CPAC was adequately addressing issues of racial bias in crime reporting and data, highlighting a critical area for ongoing scrutiny.

Following passionate discussion, the committee held elections resulting in Allison being elected as Chair and Shauna re-elected as Vice-Chair. Beyond elections, a significant decision was made to explore the possibility of establishing a review board modeled after those in other North Carolina cities. Allison, along with a designated team, will draft a proposal outlining this potential structure, drawing on best practices from elsewhere in the state.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from this meeting, directly impacting residents and the future of CPAC:

• Strategic Planning Discussions: Expect further conversations within CPAC regarding priorities for the upcoming year, potentially leading to a dedicated subcommittee.
• Housing Resident Outreach: A smaller group within CPAC will focus on expanding efforts to find a housing resident representative.
• Review Board Proposal: Allison and her team will develop a proposal for a review board, providing residents with a potential avenue to address police conduct concerns.
• Community Engagement Plan Oversight: CPAC will actively monitor and seek to influence APD’s community engagement plan, ensuring meaningful resident involvement.
• Next Meeting: The next CPAC meeting is scheduled for November 7th, where discussions on subcommittees and community outreach will be prioritized. Information regarding police assignments to various community groups is also expected to be presented.

The Asheville CPAC plays a vital role in fostering transparency and accountability within the police department, ultimately contributing to a safer and more equitable community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about CPAC’s activities and participate in future meetings, as their voices are crucial to shaping a positive relationship between the police department and the community it serves.