ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Changes are coming to the Asheville Police Department. The department is realigning its patrol districts beginning Monday, Sept. 30.

“The realignment is designed to enhance service to the Asheville community and address the evolving public safety needs of residents and visitors by optimizing the allocation of resources,” a news release from the city said.

The changes are expected to improve response times.

Asheville is divided into three patrol districts: West Asheville, North/East Asheville and Central/South Asheville. Because of the size and geographic scope of some districts, APD has realigned them to improve operational efficiency and reduce response times, ensuring more effective coverage across the city, the news release said.

With the realignment, Asheville will continue to be divided into three main patrol districts, with some key changes:

  • Charlie District will now cover the North/Central areas of Asheville
  • Baker District will shift to serve the South/East areas of Asheville
  • Adam District will retain its current boundaries and continue to provide coverage in its existing area of West Asheville

“The realignment of the Baker and Charlie patrol districts will allow us to respond more quickly and effectively to the unique challenges in each of our neighborhoods, business areas, and public housing communities,” APD Chief Mike Lamb said in the news release. “It strengthens our ability to focus resources where they’re needed most and reinforces our commitment to public safety for all residents,” said APD Chief Mike Lamb.

Patrol districts are sections of the city that are naturally defined based upon geography, street layout and neighborhood organization. Within each district are smaller patrol areas called beats, according to the news release. Officers are assigned to a district and a beat and respond to that same area each shift. This provides officers with the ability to be a working part of the communities to assist residents in resolving the problems that affect the quality of life in that area.