LIVE @ Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) 2/25/19

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: February 25, 2019

The Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) convened on February 25, 2019, to discuss a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and transparency within the city. The meeting showcased progress on technology upgrades, open data initiatives, animal welfare concerns, and grant approvals, all with a focus on improving services for Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to introducing "First Due Size Up" and "Community Connect," a new technology initiative from the Fire Division. This system provides first responders with vital information before arriving at emergency scenes, drawing data from various sources like Google Maps, property records, and city departments. Even more impactful is "Community Connect," a program allowing residents to voluntarily provide crucial details about their homes and family members – such as contact information, home features (elevators, sprinkler systems), details about individuals with special needs or pets – directly to first responders. Committee members lauded the program, emphasizing the potential for improved response times and safety during emergencies. The Fire Department plans to roll out this system within a month, with a focus on community outreach to ensure residents are aware and comfortable utilizing the program.

Beyond immediate response, the PSC received an update on the city's ongoing open data initiative, highlighting substantial progress in releasing police department information. Residents can now access use of force reports, emergency call data, crime statistics, citizen complaints, and traffic stop records on the APD website. The city is actively partnering with a community group to prioritize future data releases and ensure the information is accessible and useful. Educational sessions are planned to help residents understand and leverage this data, promoting greater transparency and community engagement in public safety.

A particularly engaging discussion centered on animal welfare, prompted by a presentation from Asheville Voice for Animals and National Voice for Animals. Representatives raised concerns about the impact of commercial breeding on animal welfare and the strain it places on community resources. They proposed two key changes: eliminating the option to purchase an unaltered pet permit and prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats, encouraging partnerships with animal shelters and rescues instead. While committee members acknowledged the concerns, they requested city staff investigate the feasibility of these proposals, considering legal implications and enforcement challenges.

Finally, the committee unanimously approved several grant applications for the Asheville Police Department, including an extension to a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and renewals for both the DWI Task Force Grant and a Bike Safety grant. These grants will support ongoing efforts to enhance safety within the city.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from this meeting. City staff will conduct thorough research into the proposed animal welfare ordinances, providing a detailed analysis for future consideration. The Fire Department will develop and implement a media plan to promote "First Due Size Up" and "Community Connect," ensuring widespread awareness among residents. The open data initiative will continue with planned educational sessions to empower citizens to utilize the available resources effectively. The AFD tax district modification agreement will be forwarded to the full City Council for their review and decision.

This meeting demonstrated a proactive approach from the PSC towards enhancing public safety through technological innovation, data transparency, and addressing community concerns regarding animal welfare. Residents can expect to see tangible changes in the coming months as these initiatives are implemented and further developed.