Public safety is essential to a thriving business community. From employee well-being to customer confidence, safety concerns have real economic consequences.
At the Asheville Chamber’s recent Policy on Tap, Asheville Police Chief Jackie Stepp and Buncombe County Commissioner and incoming District Attorney Martin Moore discussed public safety challenges, progress and opportunities for collaboration. [ Watch the full Policy on Tap conversation ]
A recent Chamber survey underscored business concerns: 42% of responding businesses reported experiencing a crime or safety incident in the past year, while 47% said the reputation of lawlessness was damaging their business or property value. [ Download the Public Safety Survey summary ]
Crime is declining, but safety remains a challenge. Chief Stepp reported that violent crime has declined 32% and property crime 11% compared with the previous four years. Businesses continue to report concerns about customer and employee safety. Addressing both actual crime and perceptions of safety is essential to restoring confidence.
Increased police presence is a priority. APD continues rebuilding staffing, with 42 vacant positions reported at the forum. Recruitment, retention and competitive compensation remain priorities. The department is also expanding specialized units and planning an e-bike patrol in partnership with the Asheville Downtown Improvement District to increase visibility.
Chief Stepp said, “Foundation of policing is built on relationships. My expectation is officers will be out of cars on foot (and on bikes) getting to know residents and businesses in their area and on bikes. When you see an officer, get to know them.”
Enforcement and support services must work together. Both speakers emphasized the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable while addressing underlying issues such as mental health, substance use and housing instability.
Several programs are part of that approach:
“Police cannot solve public safety alone. You know, we need your partnership. We need your help.”
Moore also stressed the importance of choosing effective responses that reduce repeat offenses.
“I can cite statistics to you all day. But that data is less relevant to you individually as much as the perception if you don’t feel safe. I want to work to do establish a clear set of procedures so that everyone understands that when something bad happens that we’re addressing the problem promptly…to give you some faith that when you do have a case that comes to court, there’s a very clear procedure about how we’re going to handle that and that it will be taken seriously.”
Chief Stepp emphasized that community involvement is critical:
Businesses have an important role in creating safer workplaces and public spaces. Several practical actions emerged from the conversation:
1. Report incidents consistently. Businesses are encouraged to report crimes, trespassing and recurring safety concerns, even when an incident doesn’t immediately result in an arrest. Reporting helps law enforcement identify patterns and direct resources where they’re needed.
2. Request a free CPTED assessment. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) helps businesses identify ways to improve safety through lighting, visibility, access control and property maintenance. APD offers assessments to help identify opportunities to reduce crime.
Learn about CPTED and request an assessment.
3. Use the Asheville App. Businesses can report graffiti, damaged streetlights, sidewalk hazards, abandoned vehicles and other maintenance concerns that affect the appearance and safety of public spaces.
Learn about the Asheville App.
4. Document incidents and support prosecution. Keep records of recurring problems, preserve security footage and be prepared to provide witness statements when needed. Moore emphasized that successful prosecution depends on cooperation between businesses, law enforcement and the courts.
5. Stay engaged. Share concerns with public safety leaders, participate in community conversations and support collaborative solutions that combine accountability with prevention and access to services.
6. Sign up for AVL Alert. This system enables the City of Asheville to provide you with the information that you want to receive via the communication methods that you choose. Sign up Tip: sign up with your business address.
Improving public safety requires coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, local governments, service providers and businesses.
Public safety is a shared responsibility. By combining effective enforcement, appropriate support services and active business engagement, Asheville can build a safer community and a stronger local economy.