LIVE @ Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) Meeting 8/27/18

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: Addressing Crime Trends and Community Concerns (August 27, 2018)

On August 27th, the Asheville Public Safety Committee convened to discuss crime statistics, ongoing police initiatives, and a proposal aimed at improving road safety for all residents. The meeting provided a snapshot of current challenges facing the city and highlighted ongoing efforts to address them, alongside community perspectives on public safety.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around a quarterly crime update revealing an overall 13% increase in Part 1 crimes (serious offenses) compared to the previous year. While shoplifting has seen a rise, potentially reflecting increased police presence and reporting, the most concerning trend is an increase in non-domestic aggravated assaults, particularly concentrated in areas like Aston Towers, Pisgah View Apartments, Downtown, Hillcrest, Bill Cormoran and South Charlotte Street. The committee engaged in a discussion regarding traffic stop data, with approximately 24-25% of stops involving Black drivers. A debate ensued on how best to assess racial disparity, with some members suggesting a focus on arrest and crime data alongside population demographics.

The committee took one formal vote, approving the minutes from a previous meeting. A crucial discussion was held regarding a proposal from the Multimodal Transportation Commission to establish an equity-based Vision Zero task force. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities. While no vote was taken at this meeting, the committee will continue deliberations and potentially vote on endorsing this proposal in a future session.

Public comments provided valuable perspectives from residents directly impacted by public safety concerns. Dee Williams, representing Isaac Colton Grantees, voiced deep concern about the lack of community involvement and media attention surrounding violent crime cases, particularly those involving young people. She advocated for greater collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to address underlying social factors contributing to crime. City Council Member Vijay Kapoor emphasized the urgency of a comprehensive plan leveraging both police and community resources, stressing the importance of engaging with affected communities. In contrast, Rondell Ams, President of Ternal Work Police, strongly defended the Asheville Police Department and called for a community-wide effort to address crime, challenging critics to actively participate in solutions.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The committee will continue to analyze traffic stop data and explore alternative methods for assessing racial disparity. The Vision Zero task force proposal remains under consideration, with a vote anticipated at a future meeting. A report on the assessment of the response to the excessive force case involving Chris Hickman and John L. Rush, commissioned by City Council, will be presented at the next City Council meeting on September 25th. The Police Department is also launching a community liaison program in September, assigning command officers to work alongside Community Relations Officers (CROs) in high-activity neighborhoods. Finally, the department is expanding its cadet hiring program to bolster staffing levels, particularly in the downtown area and will continue participation in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDA) program.

This meeting underscored the complexities of addressing crime and ensuring public safety in Asheville. The ongoing focus on data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and targeted initiatives reflects a commitment to creating a safer city for all residents. The discussions surrounding racial disparity in traffic stops and the potential Vision Zero task force highlight a broader effort to address systemic issues and promote equitable outcomes within the community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and participate in future public safety discussions.