LIVE @ Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) 01/9/19

Asheville CPAC Meeting Recap: January 9, 2019 – Focus on Police Promotions, Community Engagement & Racial Equity

The Asheville Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) convened on January 9, 2019, with a full agenda focused on updates within the Asheville Police Department (APD), ongoing community engagement efforts, and discussions surrounding racial equity in policing. The meeting was attended by CPAC members, APD leadership (including the interim chief), and concerned citizens who offered valuable public comments.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on recent promotions and reassignments within APD. Several Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants received new roles, impacting patrol divisions and administrative functions. Key changes include Captain Mike Yelton overseeing Patrol, Lieutenant Tammy Flanagan Bryson leading Traffic Safety and Animal Services, and the return of Captain Chris Bishun as Interim Deputy Chief. The interim chief emphasized integrating community engagement into APD’s daily operations, a point echoed by CPAC members.

Beyond personnel updates, the committee received an in-depth report on the Community Liaison Program, a vital initiative designed to connect APD command staff with various community groups and neighborhoods. Currently, 14 staff members are assigned to 15 groups, dedicating significant time (33.5 hours in November alone) to attending meetings and acting as a communication bridge between the police department and residents. The program’s effectiveness was questioned by one community member who expressed concerns about CPAC's overall impact on police oversight.

A notable discussion revolved around racial equity and systemic issues within policing. Carol, a CPAC member, strongly advocated for exploring opportunities like the Racial Equity Institute (REI) training and Building Bridges of Asheville, emphasizing a need for deeper conversations about racial justice. This resonated with concerns raised by a community member who referenced past incidents and broader issues of systemic racism within the city. The interim chief committed to providing clarification on CPAC’s role and authority following this discussion, addressing concerns about the committee's ability to effectively oversee the police department.

Key Decisions & Actions:

• The committee approved the minutes from their previous meeting.
• A vote was held to relocate the February CPAC meeting to Charlotte Community Center from 5:30-7:00 PM.
• The interim chief will coordinate a formal ceremony to recognize the recently promoted APD officers.

What's Next?

Several action items emerged from the meeting, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing engagement and improvement. The One Session Committee will continue developing plans for a facilitated community engagement event, potentially partnering with the Center for Participatory Change. Carol will investigate options for CPAC member participation in Racial Equity Institute training, while other members will reach out to Lieutenant Brown to expand outreach regarding upcoming meetings. The APD will also provide further information on CPAC’s role and authority to address community concerns.

This meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of CPAC to foster transparency, accountability, and improved relationships between the Asheville Police Department and the community. Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings and participate in discussions that shape the direction of policing in Asheville.