According to a media release on Thursday, Chief Inspector Paco Balderrama has been under investigation since February for an allegedly inappropriate relationship with a non-city individual.
Balderrama, who has been in charge for more than three times, has never taken an administrative leave, but an independent investigation is ongoing, according to the launch.
” Until the inspection is approved and completely reviewed, we ask that you reserve view in this confidential officers problem”, the statement released at 3: 55 p. m. Thursday said.
According to the launch, the analysis was in the review stage and may determine whether Balderrama had broken departmental policy.
According to the transfer, Balderrama made Georgeanne White and Mayor Jerry Dyer aware of the possibility of the incident in February.
A visit to Balderrama’s smartphone on Thursday went unresolved.
Balderrama made a presentation at the Fresno City Council meeting on Wednesday as part of the budget trials that are common for June. Before any public announcements about the analysis, he wrapped up his remarks with some responses.
” Being the main has been challenging at times. I’ve had a dozen times where I’m like,’ What the heck did I find myself into?'” he said at the receiving. However, I can tell you that seeing the accomplishment of this police office is pretty encouraging. And I ca n’t forget our mayor as well. He told me a while up,’ I the n’t give you a deal, but I give you my word that as long as I’m governor, you’re my man.'”
Balderrama, who came to Fresno from Oklahoma City at the start of 2021, became the 22nd key in the town’s history and the first of Spanish origin.
He succeeded Andy Hall, who had been in charge of Jerry Dyer’s departure after 18 times, for a brief brief period of time. Both Hall and Dyer left when union coverage dictated their retirement.
After a scandal in which several young people broke into a Fresno officers vault close to Auberry and snatched 200 pounds of bombs, Dyer followed Ed Winchester, who retired in 2001.
Police had n’t checked on the bunker’s contents for more than a year. Winchester told a Fresno County grand jury in 2000 he did n’t know of the bunker’s existence until after the theft.
Balderrama’s appearance drew acclaim from town officials, with at least one calling it a “historic day”.
During a meeting for new officers, Balderrama said the department had 848 officers, which was its all-time highest number in 2023. The entire has continued to push toward 900 sworn soldiers.
After reaching a gloomy substantial of 74 homicides in 2020, the number of intentional homicides was great before falling under Balderrama’s leadership. The area saw another 74 in 2021, his first year as captain.
In Fresno, there were 35 intentional homicides in 2023, down 43.3 % from the previous year. That violence was soaring at the same time across the nation.
He has not been without censure. The Commission on Police Reform’s final statement was finalized a few months before Balderrama was named as the next captain, but the ministry has not adopted all of the 73 tips.
Reviewers, including at least one member of the committee, said the department was also slow to follow the plans. Balderrama himself claimed that some of the laws were unworkable.
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