From Staff Reports

A complaint filed by local conservatives against the Asheville Police Department regarding actions — or lack thereof — by its officers against purported violations during an Aug. 26 GoTopless event in downtown Asheville was investigated and found to have no merit, APD Chief William J. Anderson announced on Oct. 16.

In response, Dr. Carl Mumpower, who filed the complaint on behalf of local conservatives, expressed deep disappointment with Anderson’s probe.

Mumpower noted that the complaint was filed “for enforcement failures during the rally. There were more officers than topless participants. We provided photo doumentation. In the response from the chief, he notes no failures on the part of his officers. We beg to disagree.”

When pressed for further comment, Mumpower e-mailed the following statement to the Daily Planet:

“I’m neither surprised nor discouraged by the response by city police authorities and the district attorney.

“It was predictable. Job one for most public officials is protecting themselves —- everything else comes later. 

“We live in a time where a majority of Americans are terrified of accountability. The pictures tell the story of what went on and the fact that the police outnumbered the topless ladies and they still chose to ignore the sexual performances that occurred.

“We turned on the lights and cut attendance by 80 percent at this year’s frat boy street party. I’m not greedy,” Mumpower concluded.

Meanwhile, Anderson wrote to Mumpower, “The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the complain submitted on August 29, 2012 concerning the actions of members of the Asheville Police Department during the Go Topless event has been investigated.

“The investigation has been reviewed by supervisory personnel, including the department’s command staff. North Carolina General Statute 160A – 168 requires that information regarding personnel actions, including actions taken as a result of an internal investigation, are not public record and cannot be released,” the APD chief noted.

“The department did not find any evidence of any officer witnessing the acts described in your complaint. The department also consulted with the Buncombe County district attorney, who was briefed on your complaint and viewed the evidence provided.

“The district attorney did not find any evidence of offenses he felt could be prosecuted.

“The Asheville Police Department takes all citizen concerns and complaints seriously. Citizen complaints and other employee actions are tracked to assist in monitoring employee conduct and improving customer service.

“Each situation involving a complaint also provides an opportunity to review with employees the department’s guiding principles and our expectations of them to provide service to the public in a professional manner.

“The Asheville Police Department is committed to excellence through our guiding principles of integrity, fairness, respect and professionalism. With the assistance of citizen feedback, the Asheville Police Department is able to constantly improve police service.  Our Mission is to provide the highest level of police service in partnership with the community to enhance the quality of life.”