In an effort to protect those who are at risk, minimize the spread of COVID-19, and to maintain the health and safety of officers and personnel, the Asheville Police Department (APD) is implementing several procedural changes effective immediately.
All non-emergency calls for service will be handled by an officer over the phone in an effort to limit person-to-person contact. Examples of non-emergency calls for service include:
– Stolen property of a value less than $1000 (this does not include residential or commercial breaking and entering, stolen firearms, and stolen motor vehicles)
– Damage to property (with a minimal amount of damage)
– Harassing phone calls
– Fraud, scams, or identity theft
– Lost property
– Other information only reports which do not require immediately police action and/or enforcement
For most other calls for service an officer will provide on-scene response practicing social distancing by maintaining a six-foot distance when possible. Examples of situations where an officer would provide in-person response includes:
– Incidents that require immediate police action and/or enforcement
– Incidents that would require an officer to collect further information or evidence
– Missing persons
– Incident involving juveniles
– Traffic accidents, to include hit and runs
If you have an emergency contact 9-1-1 immediately.
Visit the APD website for additional information.