In the controversy over Chief Anderson’s departure, it’s easy to forget the improvements of recent years, changes that must continue
Above: the cover of the Asheville Police Department’s strategic plan, unveiled this summer
During the discussion about the current turmoil and fraught history of the Asheville Police Department, most of the focus has been on its internal divisions and problems. In this opinion column Priscilla Ndiaye, chair of the Southside Advisory Board and a participant in crafting the plan to overhaul the APD, asserts that on another front considerable changes have happened in recent years when it comes to how the APD interacts with city residents, and that those changes need to continue as the APD sees a new chief on the way next year
— David Forbes, 11-25-14
As a native of Asheville, I have witnessed much transformation throughout the city as far back as urban renewal and integration. I’ve seen the city grapple with the Downtown Master Plan, plans for the Southside neighborhood (or East of the Riverway as city planners call it) and most recently – changes within the Asheville Police Department.
Specifically, I have witnessed an earnest effort to improve the department and am proud of the trailblazing efforts that have happened under the tenure of Chief William Anderson. That’s why it was shocking to hear the announcement of his retirement. I thought Anderson would remain longer, especially since he was making improvements in the way police serve the community — some of which have been relatively ignored.
In my perception, his retirement is a loss for the city. The controversy leading up to his departure has overshadowed some of the positive changes that have happened under his watch.
I would like to express my appreciation of Mayor Esther Manheimer and Asheville City Council for backing the chief throughout the recent conflicts.
I am saddened by the fact that although Anderson listened and stood up for people throughout Asheville, very few community members stood up for him.
After seeing his performance in the community, I am pleased with his efforts in creating an increased quality of service, safer communities, and a more inclusive Asheville, especially giving an opportunity for community members to work, collaboratively, on the recent strategic plan.
I was also pleased to hear acknowledgement from local police organizations that although there may be some wrong done on Anderson’s part, there are also other dysfunctions within the APD that need to be addressed. Now that he will be gone, it will be interesting to see what comes next. Remember, there remains plenty of troubling history here and many problems that were there before he took office.
For over a month, many in the local media has repeatedly displayed reports about Anderson’s alleged wrongdoing and focussed on calls for his resignation. But far less ink has been devoted to the many positive changes that have happened under his command.
There is a cultural shift happening throughout Asheville, including within the police. Although they haven’t been as openly vocal as many of the critics, many community members are pleased with Anderson’s performance and the changes that have happened to the department in recent years.
Here are some of the improvements I’ve seen:
1. More of the community, as a whole, is receiving quality service
I have seen patrols and improved services in more diverse neighborhoods. Officers are using multiple forms of transportation — not just the usual police cars — to more effectively see what’s going on in the community. They are now attending meetings and participating in community events where they previously didn’t. These things are all important parts of connecting to the community which they serve.
2. The department has a strategic plan and, for the first time, all community members were invited to be part of the process
I participated in the strategic planning sessions. It was great to be at the table with city employees and other community members brainstorming around ways to improve the department’s performance. It was rewarding to make suggestions and hear suggestions being made with confirmation that our voice counted by seeing some of the suggestions implemented.
3. Although there is still room for improvement, the more inclusive Asheville community is safer because Anderson connected and collaborated with community members, housing authority officials, and others
Anderson designated a team of officers specifically to deal with the needs of public housing. This action has improved relationships and has allowed the residents to see officers in a different light. More concerns are now reported and followed up. The officers also give monthly reports to the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville, improving communication.
4. The Changing Together program
During Anderson’s tenure, he was a much more visible presence. He attended community events and was very active in supporting and expanding the Changing Together call-in program to help deter violent criminals. As a supporter and community speaker at these call-ins, I witnessed Chief Anderson’s presentation; he addressed those participating with authority and delivered a strong message, but with respect. I have also witnessed him respond with genuine concern in community question and answer sessions.
5. Community policing — police are getting to know the people, and vice versa
I can recall in one community meeting early in Anderson’s tenure, community members expressing their concern about perceived “inappropriate behaviors by some of the officers” specifically racial profiling, harassment and excessive force. They requested accountability. Concerns were also expressed about unsafe communities, increased gunshots, drug deals, and home invasions. Some community members requested more patrols. Some expressed the fact that they would like to officers in their communities not just when they were coming to arrest someone.
Community members felt officers’ presence would decrease crime in their areas; and it did. Others expressed concerns about future generations — stating that community policing would grant opportunity for the children to form a different perspective of officers — and not just see them as the bad guys who place handcuffs on people and haul them away. In response to these concerns, the APD under Anderson has moved towards more community policing, designating officers as primary contact people with different parts of the community.
6. During the strategic planning session, community members stressed a need to increase diversity within the APD, and we’ve seen some improvements
Anderson responded to the community’s call for action, promoting within and increased hiring of female officers and people of color. Asheville’s demographics have changed
In order for an entity to be most successful, it must have fair representation of the community which it serves. Pressing forward, this needs to continue and city management need to consider that women and Hispanic officers also need to be represented in high-ranking positions, all the way up to chief.
7. Increased concern for the safety of all — specifically for the elderly and children
I was impressed when Anderson, shortly after taking the job, expressed his concern for the elderly and children living in public housing, saying “No elderly should be afraid to come out of their homes. Neither should children have to be exposed to the danger of flying bullets.”
He then ended his comment with, “If you are part of the adverse actions — the problems — I am coming for you.” Anderson also worked together with more organizations including the Youth Empowerment Forum in collaboration with Asheville City Schools, the housing authority, Asheville Community Development, and the Southside Community Advisory Board so he could better match the right officers with the right communities. One community policing officer went over and beyond in finding a sponsor to provide safety reflectors for several physically-challenged community members so they can more easily travel using their motorized wheelchairs.
Under Anderson’s watch the Asheville Police Department also organized an X-box tournament and more children participated than ever. The “shop with a cop” program allowed many students to receive needed back-to-school supplies. APD also collaborated with multiple organizations and non-profits in helping community member Stephanie Maewether organize this year’s back-to-school supplies drive. For many communities, this is kind of cooperation from local police is a big change.
Push forward
All these changes are external, and they’re the changes many of us outside City Hall and the department see. As far the APD’s internal issues, it definitely sounds like there is room for improvement and the development of better conditions for employees is necessary. But whoever’s chosen to solve that situation, I hope the next chief will also operate with the mindset of change, diversity, and inclusion. I hope accountability to the community will continue to be a prime concern.
Chief Anderson’s leadership did create a transformation in the way many of us dealt with the department and his presence in the APD’s top job did make a difference. I wish him the best in his retirement and hope he will enjoy time with his family and, most of all, his life. I hope Anderson will do what the city must: push forward.
As for this city: many people are understandably frustrated by wrongdoing, dysfunction and crime. However it’s going to take all of us, working together, to find a way to create an improved Asheville Police Department and a safer and inclusive community. Let’s start by keeping the momentum that started on Anderson’s watch. Let’s not let this cultural change be in vain.
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Priscilla Ndiaye is an Asheville native, activist and chair of the Southside Advisory Board.
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