From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Police Department and the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville have launched a one-year pilot program designed to enhance safety and community stability by increasing police presence in public housing neighborhoods. 

The memorandum of agreement officially was authorized by Asheville City Council on April 14, and announced around April 20.

The program is billed as focusing on enhancing safety, security and community stability.

The pilot program reportedly was established as a direct response to resident concerns regarding an increase in drug activity and violent crime, including recent shootings in housing authority properties

Following are key details of the program: 

• Purpose: To address rising violence and drug activity in public housing areas, such as Pisgah View.

• Structure: This is a one-year Memorandum of Agreement featuring supplemental officer patrols, which began April 20.

• Funding: HACA is funding the initiative through a reimbursement program for APD overtime, with costs not to exceed $200,000 for the year.

• Action: The partnership involves the Housing Authority paying for officers to work overtime for patrols.

• Evaluation: A formal 90-day review is included to assess progress and make adjustments.