APD suspends response to several crimes, blaming staffing crisis

Press release from the Asheville Police Department:

The Asheville Police Department (APD) has lost 84 officers since Jan. 1, 2020. As a result of the staffing crisis, several changes in officer response will go into effect immediately in order to improve response times for emergency calls made to 9-1-1. 
 
APD officers will no longer respond to the following types of crimes:
  • 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 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 made during normal business hours and after-hours may have a significant delay in response.
Victims of these crimes can use the Police to Citizen online reporting tool to file a police report. Individuals who do not have access to online reporting can call (828) 252-1110 to have an officer respond when they are available. This may result in a significant delay in response.
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