Respectfully, to Chris Burgher and the citizens of Asheville: The Asheville Police Department is a mixed bag [“The Police are Here to Help,” May 25 Xpress]. You never really know what you will get as a result of calling on them or them calling on you. Congratulations, Mr. Burgher, for having such a satisfying experience with our city's law enforcement. It is gratifying to know that they are here to serve you and me.
I, who have resided here since I was a child, have a varied view of them. When I called them — because there were teenage delinquents who had already broken windows on my street and I was next — the [response] from the APD was excellent. They handled it professionally and without undue problems.
On the other hand, I have also been threatened to have my children taken away by them for nothing more than a traffic ticket. I have had everything in between. I am still waiting for them to keep their word and solve a serious traffic problem in my neighborhood that they claimed they would resolve. I cannot count the number of times I have witnessed being lied to by the APD. I recall how they acted under [former police chief] Will Annarino regarding civil protests and the ridiculous number of arrests involved.
Under Mr. Hogan's leadership, they have acted more professionally. I do know individual officers who generally follow professional guidelines. I sure would not want the job, and I work with law enforcement full time at work.
So best wishes to you, Mr. Burgher, and the citizens of Asheville with new leadership for the civil-enforcement authorities.
— Andy Weatherly
Asheville
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