Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (Jul 31, 2025)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: Addressing Homelessness and Expanding Public Safety Measures (July 31, 2025)

On July 31, 2025, the Public Safety Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss crime statistics, emerging technologies impacting public safety, and potential adjustments to the city's approach to addressing homelessness. The meeting was attended by Committee Chair Bo Hess, Vice Mayor Antoinette Mosley, Council Member Shanika Smith, City Manager Debra Campbell, and key personnel from the Police and Fire Departments including Chiefs Lamb and Case, as well as technology specialists. The meeting also included a significant period dedicated to public comment via phone, allowing residents to voice their concerns and perspectives.

A key decision made during the meeting was the unanimous approval of a motion to expand the city’s public solicitation ordinance, effectively expanding existing "high traffic" zones and designating new ones as proposed by Deputy Chief Ardema. These expanded zones will primarily encompass sections of Patton Avenue, Haywood Road, South Tunnel Road, and Merriman Avenue. This action will now move forward to the full City Council for final consideration in August or September, marking a significant step towards implementing these changes. The committee acknowledged that this is one tool within a broader strategy to address homelessness and public safety, as emphasized by City Manager Campbell.

The meeting included a detailed presentation from Police Chief Lamb on quarterly crime statistics, highlighting a notable 37% reduction in violent crime compared to the previous year. While property crimes saw a slight increase, primarily due to more reported larcenies and motor vehicle burglaries. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Police Department's Gun Violence Task Force and its collaborative efforts with federal agencies. The committee also received an update on the newly established Technology and Intelligence Division, which will centralize technology assets within the Police Department, manage drone operations, oversee data analytics, and prioritize community engagement. Jimmy Wingo, the Police Technology Specialist, outlined privacy policies including data minimization, access control, encryption (AES-256), and adherence to state laws regarding data retention. Importantly, the department confirmed it does not utilize facial recognition technology.

Public comment was a prominent feature of the meeting, with several residents expressing concerns regarding the expansion of "high traffic" zones and their potential impact on vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness. Jensen Gelfond argued that criminalizing panhandling was not a solution and advocated for infrastructure improvements to enhance pedestrian safety. Patrick Conant raised concerns about data sharing practices related to police technology and the need for community oversight. Several callers echoed these sentiments, emphasizing compassion, dignity, and the need for alternative solutions to address homelessness beyond law enforcement measures. The committee listened attentively to these concerns, with Councilmember Smith advocating for a deeper understanding of individual needs within the unhoused community.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. The approved expansion of the solicitation ordinance will proceed to City Council for final approval. The city is also exploring a 24/7 holistic drop-in center and working to repatriate unhoused individuals back to their families. The Police Department reiterated its commitment to transparency, community outreach, and educational sessions regarding technology and its impact on public safety. Citizens are encouraged to review the full meeting transcript for a comprehensive understanding of all discussions and perspectives shared. This ongoing focus on community engagement, alongside the approved ordinance expansion, aims to balance public safety concerns with a compassionate approach to addressing homelessness within Asheville.