Three months into added sheriff’s deputy patrols, downtown workers seeing benefits
It’s been nearly three months since the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office started putting patrols in the busiest parts of Asheville on Friday and Saturday nights. Since then, the office has been seeing encouraging statistics about the initiative.
The Impact on Downtown Workers
The need for something like this has been felt for some time by those who work in the area. Claddagh Bar Manager Charlotte Tomkalski shared, “It’s been rough. A lot of nights, we’ve had a lot of people who come in and cause problems in the past.” Since Jan. 26, those problems have not been as evident, she said. “We still have some problems, don’t get me wrong,” Tomkalski said. “But it’s cut down a lot.”
Operating Partner for The Bier Garden Nathan Wardell also noted the positive impact, saying, “I noticed immediate help as far as making my staff feel safe, especially when they’re leaving here late at night around one or two in the morning sometimes. There’s been a huge difference.”
Initiative Results
Working alongside the Asheville Police Department, the sheriff’s office has seen 66 “enforcement contacts” resulting in 12 arrests, three citations, 47 warnings, and four community referrals for support services. Additionally, over 200 contacts have been made with individuals walking downtown, fostering connections with shops and restaurants in the area.
Business Opportunities and Safety
Nathan Wardell indicated the positive outcomes, “The sheriff’s deputies will come in, talk with [our security staff] directly and see if they have any incidents or problems. So, it’s every week those guys are having conversations. We’re enjoying seeing them out on the street.”
Charlotte Tomkalski highlighted how the patrols have made a difference for businesses, “I can keep my customers on the patio now. There was a time where we had trouble keeping guests on the patio because of people coming by panhandling and asking tourists for money.”
Future Funding and Sustainability
Funding from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to staff the patrols comes to an end on June 30. While some hope the policing efforts will continue past this date, there’s no confirmation yet on whether the sheriff’s office will seek additional funding to sustain the patrols.
Nathan Wardell expressed the need for continued support, “I know we’re going to need it. It’s not just for the summer visits, but the peak fall season which is where we all make our money.” Charlotte Tomkalski echoed this sentiment, “I think it should continue. I think it’s something that should keep going on.”
