Asheville -- April 14, 2026: The Asheville City Council is scheduled to review a $1.1 million federal grant for a police intelligence hub, sparking debate over enhanced crime-fighting capabilities and potential privacy infringements for Asheville residents.
Real-Time Intelligence Center
The proposal involves a $1,141,256 federal award to establish a Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) within the Asheville Police Department. The RTIC would serve as a centralized hub, integrating existing surveillance systems—including public and potentially private camera feeds—to provide real-time intelligence gathering and investigative support.
The grant is a Community Project Funding award administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grants program and does not require local matching funds. The aim is to enable faster data access for officers during emergencies and support data-informed policing strategies.
Privacy Concerns
The debate surrounding the RTIC centers on balancing public safety benefits with potential risks to civil liberties. Key concerns include:
Expanded Surveillance: Critics worry about the centralized monitoring of various camera systems across the city.
Redundancy: Council member Kim Roney has questioned if the system duplicates surveillance infrastructure already operated by Buncombe County.
Long-term Policy: Roney described the proposal as a “significant expansion of surveillance technology” and has called for more public input regarding its long-term budget and policy implications.
Timeline
The funding process was finalized after being included in the fiscal year 2026 federal appropriations bill. The city was officially notified of the approval in February 2026, and the Public Safety Committee moved the proposal forward with a 2-0 vote in March.
The Asheville City Council will discuss authorizing the City Manager to accept the funds during the meeting this Tuesday, April 14, at 5 p.m. at City Hall.