The Asheville Police Department (APD) had its funding cut by city politicians who have no clue on what’s best for its people. Either that or they just don’t care. Now, they have had to create a list of crimes that the police will no longer answer. This includes some forms of thefts and assaults. So, the people of Asheville will see a sharp increase in crimes once criminals know exactly what crimes they can get away with.
The APD explained they have lost 84 officers since January 1, 2020. That is a devastating number considering they only had 219 officers, to begin with. And now because of it, they can no longer cover all the crimes being committed in the city. The war against police is one that when you win, you lose. There is no longer anyone between you and crime.
APD Chief David Zack recently said:
“There will be things that we simply cannot get to. We’re talking it’s taking us almost three minutes longer to get to those very serious calls.”
“Our detective unit right now is completely gassed out with the volume of serious investigations that they have to address. And we will have to triage those. Those officers are having to work extremely long hours.”
Since 1/1/20 APD has lost 84 officers. As a result, several changes in officer response will go into effect immediately to improve response times for emergency calls made to 911. #avlnews@WLOS_13 @asheville @wyffnews4 @WSPA7 @foxcarolinanews @SpecNews1MTN @newsradio570 pic.twitter.com/WBiSZOifFB
— Asheville Police (@AshevillePolice) June 2, 2021
Below is a complete list of concerns to which the APD can no longer respond, according to their press release:
- Theft under $1,000 where there is no suspect information (this does not include stolen vehicles or guns)
- Theft from a vehicle where there is no suspect information
- Minimal damage and/or graffiti to the property where there is no suspect information
- Non-life-threatening harassing phone calls (does not include incidents that are related to domestic violence and/or stalking)
- Fraud, scams, or identity theft
- Simple assaults that are reported after they have occurred
- Reports that do not require immediate police actions and/or enforcement (information only reports)
- Funeral escorts
- Lost/found property
- Trespassing where the property owner does not want to press charges
Noise complaints can expect a delayed response time, the APD added.
Asheville is a very liberal city set in an area that is otherwise very conservative. Cutting police can also mean cutting crime. Asheville has cut funding and crime is dropping in nearby towns where the police enforce every law. Criminals aren’t stupid. They strike where they think they can get away with crimes.
