Good morning. In the past 14 months, two members of a volunteer board that is supposed to advise the Fayetteville Police Department have resigned from their roles. Both stepped down just months into their terms, citing concern over the trajectory of what they say is a board that’s advisory in name only, but in reality, is a cheering squad for the police department.
Other police advisory boards across the state have faced troubles, with Chapel Hill disbanding its board last November and Charlotte’s board refusing to hold public meetings.
Today we share an investigation from reporter Evey Weisblat, examining the critiques faced by Fayetteville’s Community Police Advisory Board, and the larger questions surrounding the role and oversight authority of such civilian police advisory boards. Read our lead story below.
Welcome to CityView Today. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality held a community meeting in Cumberland County last week, during which Fayetteville-area residents received stark warnings from scientists about the dangers of eating homegrown produce in areas with known PFAS water contamination. The meeting also follows news from NCDEQ that residents in six surrounding counties of the Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant now qualify for well testing and filtration installation. Plus, Fayetteville is rapidly outgrowing its current emergency communications center. City leaders are looking to build a new, larger facility that can be operational by 2028, with the possibility of consolidating 911 call centers with Cumberland County.
I’ll be on a trip in Mexico City this week, so in my stead, Sarah Nagem (editor of the Border Belt Independent, another of The Assembly‘s regional partners) will be kindly stepping in. You’ll hear from her and CityView reporters in newsletters this week. See you next Tuesday!
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Interim Editor-in-Chief
Fayetteville Community Police Advisory Board is ‘cheerleader’ for police department, ex-members claim
In the past 14 months, two members of a volunteer board that is supposed to advise the Fayetteville Police Department have resigned from their roles. Both stepped down just months into their terms, citing concern over the trajectory of what they say is a board that’s advisory in name only, but in reality, is a cheering squad for the police department.
More from CityView
Forever chemical well testing expands to six counties near Chemours’ Fayetteville plant
Fayetteville-area residents also received stark warnings from scientists about the dangers of eating homegrown produce in areas with known PFAS water contamination.
Discussions on joint city-county 911 call center continue as city considers architectural agreement
Fayetteville is rapidly outgrowing its current emergency communications center, and city leaders are looking to build a new, larger center that can be operational by 2028.
Events
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT PADDY’S IRISH PUB
- Where: Paddy’s Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Road Suite B, Fayetteville
- When: 2 p.m.-2 a.m. today
- What: St. Patrick’s Day returns in spectacular fashion at Paddy’s Irish Pub. Party favors, treats, and souvenir gifts (while they last). Doors open at 2 p.m., no cover before 6 p.m.
BILLY ELLIOT — 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SCREENING
- Where: Cameo Art House Theatre, 225 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 9 p.m. today
- What: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Billy Elliot with a special two-night-only screening at the Cameo Art House Theatre!
Sponsored by Greater Life of Fayetteville
TIGHT’N IT UP SPECIAL WORKSHOP
- Where: The Orange Street School at 600 Orange St., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20
- What: A free workshop focusing on men, women, the children in our lives, and how we reconnect the pieces of the family as we build our community, starting with the family. Register here.
Obituaries
Georgia Smith
Georgia Smith, of Lumberton, died March 14 at the age of 67.
Jayson Clarence McPhatter
Jayson Clarence McPhatter, of Fayetteville, died March 12 at the age of 67.
Philip “Chip” Wiley Haigh III
Philip “Chip” Wiley Haigh III, 78, of Holden Beach, passed away March 9.
Until tomorrow!
📕 The county’s Headquarters Library, located at 300 Maiden Lane in Fayetteville, is temporarily closing for around a week from March 24 to March 31. According to a press release, the library is undergoing shelving renovations as part of an effort to improve Cumberland County Public Library facilities. The library system is encouraging residents to visit the other seven branches and to refer to the library’s online resources.
~ Maydha
