Brevard -- September 9, 2026: The Brevard Police Department has withdrawn its proposal to install three automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, a decision directly influenced by significant public opposition and a stated commitment to earning community trust. Police Chief Christy Wentzell emphasized that actively listening to residents was a key factor in the department's approach, setting a notable precedent for local governance and public-police relations in Western North Carolina.
The proposal, which had been discussed by the city’s Public Safety Committee and was slated for City Council consideration on Sept. 8, 2026, faced widespread concerns regarding privacy and surveillance. Instead of moving forward, Chief Wentzell withdrew the plan, acknowledging the robust feedback received from the community.
Community engagement played a pivotal role in the department's decision. Roughly 60 residents attended a public information and listening session on Sept. 1, 2026, at the Mary C. Jenkins Community Center. In addition to in-person comments, the department also gathered input through email, phone calls, and other public comments. This comprehensive feedback process ultimately led to the withdrawal of the ALPR camera proposal.
Chief Wentzell underscored the importance of this engagement, stating, “Public trust is something we have to earn, and listening is a big part of that.” She added, “We asked our community to come out, learn about the proposal, and tell us what they think, and they did.” While the department still believes ALPRs can serve as a useful investigative tool, public feedback prompted a change in their immediate approach.
The proposed ALPR cameras would have been fixed at unspecified locations within the city, likely on primary ingress and egress routes and other areas identified through crime data. The technology captures license plate images along with limited vehicle details such as color, make, model, location, date, and time. Despite assurances that the cameras would not collect personally identifiable information and that an ALPR coordinator would conduct quarterly audits, residents’ concerns about privacy and surveillance were paramount.
The department has indicated that it would utilize the same public engagement process should it consider a similar proposal in the future. This outcome highlights the direct impact of community input on major policing decisions, reinforcing the value of public participation in shaping local policy within the Greater Asheville Area.