LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting 11/7/18

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: November 7, 2018 – Shaping the Future of Policing in Asheville

The Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a productive meeting on November 7, 2018, addressing critical issues surrounding community policing and the future leadership of the Asheville Police Department. This recap highlights key decisions, discussions, citizen input, and upcoming actions that will impact residents of Asheville.

Navigating Change & Seeking a New Police Chief: A significant portion of the meeting centered on the recent announcement of Asheville Police Chief Smith’s resignation. CPAC members discussed their potential role in providing input to Human Resources during the search for a replacement, emphasizing the importance of considering policing impacts and human rights perspectives. Chair Wade strongly advocated for CPAC's involvement, highlighting the committee’s ability to contribute valuable insights. The search process is expected to be a key focus in the coming months, and CPAC’s participation could significantly influence the selection of the next chief.

Improving Community Relations & Addressing Youth Concerns: CPAC engaged in a robust discussion about strengthening community relations, particularly with young people. Michael Hazel voiced concerns regarding proactive engagement within communities experiencing violence and gang activity, suggesting exploring innovative outreach methods like a hip-hop program. This sparked further conversation about how to best connect with youth and address underlying issues contributing to crime. The committee also explored utilizing Nextdoor, a neighborhood social media platform, as a tool for disseminating information about crime and public safety. A citizen shared concerns regarding stalking behavior in North Asheville, prompting a discussion on broader communication mechanisms beyond Nextdoor to alert the community.

Exploring Mediation & Streamlining Communication: A notable discussion revolved around a proposed mediation process between citizens and the Asheville Police Department. The idea, which would provide an alternative avenue for addressing concerns, is gaining traction and requires further consideration of training needs and funding. The committee also discussed the complexities of tracking community engagement expenses, noting that related costs are often spread across different city departments.

Key Decisions & Actionable Steps: Several key decisions and action items emerged from the meeting:

• Minutes Approved: The committee formally approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Subcommittee Formation: Several subcommittees were established or reaffirmed, including a "Planning Session" (Blake and Wade) tasked with developing an outline for a community forum by the end of December, a "Meeting Locations" group (Carl, Jerry, and Sean) to identify suitable meeting venues, and a "Police & Community" subcommittee (Michael and Jerry) focused on researching outreach programs.
• Next Steps: Julie, the CPAC Coordinator, will distribute a list of existing outreach partnerships to committee members. Michael and Jerry will research community outreach programs and connect with relevant organizations. Wade will advocate for CPAC’s involvement in the Police Chief search process, and the committee will explore options for utilizing Nextdoor to disseminate meeting information.

Why This Matters: The discussions and decisions made at this CPAC meeting reflect a commitment to enhancing community policing practices in Asheville. The committee’s focus on youth engagement, alternative dispute resolution, and providing input during the Police Chief search demonstrates a desire to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents. By actively participating in these initiatives, CPAC aims to ensure that policing strategies are responsive to community needs and prioritize human rights considerations. Residents interested in contributing to these efforts are encouraged to consider joining the CPAC board and participating in subcommittee activities.

This recap provides a snapshot of the important work being done by CPAC to shape the future of policing in Asheville.