The Asheville City Council approved an interlocal agreement Tuesday, Jan. 24 with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for use of the FUSUS real-time intelligence center camera system.
The agreement was approved by a 4-1 vote, with councilmember Kim Roney voting against.
“Collaborating to address crime in our community -- and that’s the goal, that’s simply our goal,” said City Manager Debra Campbell.
The agreement includes plans to install cameras at three proposed locations: Asheville City Hall, Pritchard Park and the intersection of North Lexington Avenue and Hiawassee Street.
“Generally, these locations were identified because of visibility and crime that has been occurring in the locations,” Campbell said.
There are currently 1,780 cameras in the real-time intelligence center system, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The technology gives access to real-time video in emergency situations. It can also assist in investigations.
“This just allows us to monitor the cameras in real-time if we did have a critical incident. Again, this is born out of a partnership with Buncombe County Schools,” said Aaron Sarver, with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Currently, the majority of the cameras are in Buncombe County Schools, Buncombe County buildings and the Asheville Housing Authority.
“We need to have checks and balances. That’s why we have policies, that’s why we’re having these open discussions,” Sarver said.
During the city council meeting Tuesday night, some community members shared concerns about privacy concerns and the A.I. capabilities of the technology. Sarver said the sheriff’s office does not use the A.I. or facial recognition portion of the technology.
“Some people may feel like it’s an invasion of privacy; we understand that, we respect that. But the reality is, if you’re in a public space, whether it’s someone on their iPhone grabbing video for Instagram, TikTok or whatever, that’s just the reality of 2023,” Sarver said.
The city will pay $30,000 a year to participate in the intelligence center. The agreement can be canceled with a 30 days' written notice.
A spokesperson for the Asheville Police Department sent News 13 the following statement:
"Having access to a real-time criminal intelligence camera system will provide The Asheville Police Department with a new and important investigative tool to help enhance the safety of all residents and visitors. The system provides the police department with real-time information that helps improve officers' situational awareness, assists in evidence gathering, and improves overall efficiency."
Debra Campbell said a governance committee will be created to oversee this new agreement.