You will likely not hear much about the Asheville Police Department’s after-action report on the May 29 – June 6, 2020 protests in downtown Asheville. The information nearly applauds APD for doing what it could under extraordinary circumstances. It just isn’t damning enough for the local liberal media to cover.
Of course, citizens and local officials should examine major events to identify lessons learned – what went right and what requires improvement. The review process for this event begins with background information and a compilation of activities covered by the study. A summary of that report is also available.
Several recommendations suggested administrative changes, including:
- body cam policy review and purchase of battery-life extending equipment for the cameras,
- recording of radio communications,
- tracking the locations of LEOs from other jurisdictions who had come to assist APD,
- development of standards for communication between the City, APD, media, and the community,
- tracking the location of supplies.
The review found APD to be up-to-date on training and its policies to be consistent with best practices. A study of the 57 arrests that occurred during the protests determined that they all complied with policy.
The horrors visited upon the protesters included:
- The standard operating procedure of creating a noticeable presence for manning demonstrations incited the emotions of many protesters. Did any of the protesters then think to themselves, “Hmm…maybe we’ve crossed a line here. It may be time to adhere to the curfew and begin distancing from the agitators.”
- APD’s Crowd Control Team deployed pepper balls and tear gas when protesters hurled projectiles at Police and refused to clear from the Jeff Bowen Bridge and Interstate 240. Protesters complained that not everyone could hear the commands from Police to disburse. Presumably, they were also unaware of the dangers and illegality of pedestrians roaming through public highways, whether protesting or not. We wonder if the protesters would have failed to disburse even if they had heard the commands from the Police. Did any of the protesters believe that their actions were legal and acceptable?
- Finally, the Police destroyed water bottles, food items, and “medical supplies.” APD has admitted that the destruction of “medical supplies” was wrong, and they have disciplined those responsible for that decision.
The “defund the APD” movement has pointed at APD’s response to the 2020 protests as an example of police overstep on par with the Minnesota cops who were convicted in George Floyd’s death. Supporters of this movement make a point of showing up at every city council meeting and Public Safety Committee meeting to reiterate their demands for city officials to defund the police. Rarely does anyone speak in favor of supporting the police instead.
Wouldn’t it be great if officials would spend some time talking about how to replenish the ranks of police officers in Asheville? YOU can help make that discussion occur! Comment at City Council and Public Safety Committee meetings and ask our leaders to reveal their plans for rebuilding the police force to acceptable staffing levels.
