Use-of-force review ongoing
ASHEVILLE - Community representatives offered input on the police department's use-of-force policy last week with an emphasis on de-escalation.
The Community Police Policy Work Group provided recommendations based on best practices in policing, said Asheville Police Department Spokeswoman Christina Hallingse. This includes valuing the sanctity of life.
Once a draft of the revised policy is completed, APD will schedule a final meeting for review, she said.
"This work group is an opportunity for community leaders to provide valuable input on policing in our community, with specific emphasis on use-of-force and de-escalation," Asheville Police Department Chief Tammy Hooper said in a statement to the Citizen-Times.
"There is, of course, more work to be done in building relationships and trust between law enforcement and community members. This process is a valuable step toward that goal and APD’s commitment to community policing and partnership."
Sixteen individuals joined police at the Sept. 19 meeting, including City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield; CEO of the Housing Authority Gene Bell; Superintendent of Asheville City Schools Pam Baldwin; and President of the Asheville Branch of the NAACP Carmen Ramos-Kennedy.
An analysis of the Department's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were discussed, such as how to build community trust and make the complaint process more accessible, Hallingse said.
The Community Police Policy Work Group meetings are not open to the public. The Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit based in New York City, is facilitating the dialogue. The Vera Institute works with government to build and improve justice systems that are fair, safe and conducive to stronger communities.
Other organizations represented on the Community Police Policy Work Group include the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; Black Lives Matter Asheville; Building Bridges; Campaign for Southern Equality; Christians for United Community; Citizens Police Advisory Committee; Elders Fierce for Justice; the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; Our VOICE; the Racial Justice Coalition; the Residents Council of the Asheville Housing Authority; the Stop the Violence Coalition; Veterans Treatment Court; and the YWCA of Asheville.
Hooper chose the participating organizations after soliciting input from the Racial Justice Coalition.
Showing Up for Racial Justice and the Citizens Police Advisory Committee were not included in the chief's initial list.
The size of the group was limited in order to improve its effectiveness, Hooper said at a recent meeting of the Citizens Police Advisory Committee, a city board set up for citizens to discuss policing in their neighborhoods.
A member of the committee was already on the work group due to his affiliation with the Residents Council, she told those assembled.
The chief of police also serves on the Citizens Police Advisory Committee as a nonvoting member.