Fresno Police Department
Encyclopedia
The Fresno Police Department is responsible for policing the city of Fresno, California
Fresno, California
Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation...

, in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

. The Chief of Police since August 2001, is Jerry Dyer (http://www.drugrehabcalifornia.com/news.htm?aid=1823). The city experiences between 30 and 69 willful homicide
Homicide
Homicide refers to the act of a human killing another human. Murder, for example, is a type of homicide. It can also describe a person who has committed such an act, though this use is rare in modern English...

s in a typical year. In 2005, the department had 807 sworn personnel and 406 non-sworn personnel.

Structure

  • Office Of Chief Division
    • Legal Adviser
    • Public Information Officer
    • Administrative Lieutenant
    • Administrative Services Division
      • Capital Improvements Unit
      • Fiscal affairs Bureau
      • Grant Management
      • Personnel Bureau
        • Reserves
      • Training Bureau
        • Police Training Officer (PTO) Program
        • Cadet Program
    • Patrol Division
      • Southwest District
        • DCST
        • Problem Oriented Policing (POP)
        • COP Team
        • ENPH
        • Downtown Policing Unit
      • Central District
        • DCST
        • Problem Oriented Policing (POP)
        • COP Team
      • Southeast District
        • DCST
        • Problem Oriented Policing (POP)
        • ENPH
        • COP Team
      • Northeast District
        • DCST
        • Problem Oriented Policing (POP)
        • COP Team
      • Northwest District
        • DCST
        • Problem Oriented Policing (POP)
        • COP Team
      • Special Operations & Field Services Bureau
        • Field Commanders
        • Duty Office
        • Prisoner Transport & Standby
        • Bulldog Tactical Team
        • West Fresno Tactical Team
        • Air Support Airport Policing Unit (Fresno Yosemite International & Fresno Chandler Executive Airports)
        • Mounted Patrol & K9 Unit
        • Tactical Response
          • Special Weapons and Tactics
          • Crisis Negotiations Team
          • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
    • Support Division
      • Records and Information Services Bureau
      • Crime View
      • Communications Bureau
        • Communications Center
        • Video Policing
      • Special Services Bureau
        • Special Events
        • Traffic Safety Section
        • Neighborhood Traffic Unit (NTU)
        • Tow Unit
      • Youth & Community Services Bureau
        • Homeland Security, Volunteer Services & Citizens on Patrol (COP)
        • Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative (MGPI)
        • School Resource Officers Unit (SRO)
        • Police Activities League (PAL) & Life-skills Unit
    • Investigative Services Division
      • Crime Scene Bureau
      • Cyber Crimes Task Force
      • Family Justice & Criminal Investigations Bureau
        • Sex Crimes Unit
        • Missing Persons Unit & Child Abuse Unit
        • Domestic Violence
        • Financial Crimes & Elder Abuse Unit
        • Court Liaison & Prosecutor Liaison Unit
      • Street Violence Bureau
        • Homicide Unit
        • Robbery & Felony Assault Unit
        • Night Detective Unit
        • Tactical Team
        • Crime Stoppers
        • Parole Apprehension Team
      • Special Investigations Bureau
        • Street Narcotics Enforcement Team
        • High Intensity Drug Traffic Areas (HIDTA)
        • Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT)
        • Major Narcotics Unit
        • Vice/Intelligence Unit
        • Joint Terrorism Task Force
      • Anti-Gang & Graffiti Bureau
        • Graffiti Investigations
        • Graffiti Abatement
        • MAGEC
    • Professional Standards Division
      • Office Of Independent Review
      • City Attorney Office
      • Risk Management
      • Civil Liability team
      • Litigation Risk Claims
      • Early Alert Unit
      • Internal Affairs
      • Employee Services
        • Chaplaincy
        • Companion Officer
        • Wellness
        • Save Program
      • Accountability and Compliance Bureau
        • CALEA
        • Policies & Procedures

District Crime Suppression Teams (DCST)

Proactive units in patrol, working a variety of immediate problems to include: parole violators, wanted persons, drug houses, sex offenders, gang problems, and crime trends.

Established under the leadership of Chief Jerry Dyer in April 2002 as part of a Department-wide reorganization. In an effort to make the response to crime more prompt, District Crime Suppression Teams are assigned to the individual District Commanders as a pro-active crime fighting resource. The District Crime Suppression Teams are composed of ten supervisors and sixty officers. There are two teams in each policing district.

Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat)

Since 1974, the Fresno Police Department’s has provided a ready response to situations that were beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Department members. During this time the Fresno SWAT Team has affected the arrest of hundreds of violent criminals and received scores of commendations.

The first S.W.A.T team consisted of six members. These members received training from the FBI at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico VA. The current SWAT Team is made up of 26 members. The team is broken down into two six-person entry elements each led by a sergeant, one ten-person perimeter team, also led by a sergeant and four snipers. The snipers are directed by a sniper coordinator who is also a sergeant assigned to the Command Vehicle. A Lieutenant commands the team.

The four team members assigned as snipers attend a basic sniper course as well as advanced training courses. Snipers train on moving targets, firing through barriers, and precision shooting to 400 yards.

The SWAT Team also trains with the Crisis Negotiators from the Fresno Police Department and SWAT Teams from allied agencies.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD)

The Fresno Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was created in 1974, and has had a long-distinguished history, rising from the inspiration of a few unique individuals who were determined to establish a bomb squad to meet the needs of a growing city. From handmade tools and perseverance, a modern, accredited squad with state-of-the-art equipment has emerged.

After completing the reorganization and expansion of the Unit from two to six technicians in 1999, an explosives bunker with bank-like security was constructed and dedicated. Advanced preparation paid off, and the Unit was able to assist during the tragedy of September 11, 2001, going full time as the city’s first Anti-Terrorism Unit. Approximately one year later, with Homeland Security matters developed, the members of the Unit returned to their primary duties: remaining on-call to handle a myriad of hazardous devices.

Some of the Unit’s most recent advancements include a new, technologically advanced robot, increased detection and disruption capabilities, and a state-of-the-art total containment vehicle. The Unit has taken on roles never envisioned, with the threat of biological, chemical, and radiological improvised devices in our future. Homicide bombers, large vehicle-borne bombs, international airport safety, target hardening, dignitary protection, hazardous materials, and education are just a few disciplines that require technicians to train constantly and remain ever-vigilant.

The Fresno Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit remains focused to face the challenges of a world thrown into uncertainty with the ever-present threat of terrorism.

Help Eradicate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.)

Since its inception in April 1996, the FRESNO H.E.A.T. Auto Theft Task Force has had the task of reducing vehicle theft within the city of Fresno.

To achieve its goal of reducing vehicle theft within the city of Fresno, FRESNO H.E.A.T. conducts surveillance in high theft areas, serves outstanding felony arrest warrants for suspects wanted for vehicle theft and related crimes, seeks out possible "chop shop" operations by conducting business inspections, and conducts probation and parole searches of persons previously convicted of vehicle theft.

The Fresno H.E.A.T. Auto Theft Task Force is currently staffed by five CHP Officers, one CHP Sergeant, five Fresno P. D. Officers, one Fresno P. D. Sergeant, one Fresno County Sheriffs Deputy, one DMV Investigator, and one N.I.C.B. Special Agent.

Air Support

starting in 1996 with three piston-driven helicopters and then moving to two American Eurocopter EC 120 turbine helicopters. The Air Unit has logged over 5,700 accident-free flight hours in the new turbine powered helicopters and a total of 19,634 accident-free helicopter flight hours since 1996. The Air Support Unit has also added a Cessna 206 airplane to the fleet to assist with homeland defense missions.

Both helicopters are fully equipped with the latest and greatest state-of-the-art airborne law enforcement equipment such as: FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red—a combined aircraft mounted video and infra red camera system), a 30 million candle power Night Sun searchlight, MDS computer, Aerocomputer Moving Map (combing 5 various topographical maps, aeronautical charts, parcel map, GPS navigational aide, etc.), along with ProNet and Lo Jack receivers.

Skywatch currently has one sworn Police Helicopter Chief Pilot, one sworn Police Helicopter Command Pilot, one civilian Helicopter Command Pilot, three sworn Police Helicopter Tactical Flight Officers, one sworn Police Sergeant Fixed-Wing Command Pilot, one part-time sworn Police Sergeant Fixed-Wing Command Pilot, one Police Captain, and two civilian mechanics.

Traffic Unit

The Fresno Police Department’s Traffic Bureau has grown from 22 officers to 76 officers, who have made significant improvements in traffic safety in the community. The Traffic Bureau has area traffic units that handle collisions and traffic complaints in each of the five policing districts. There are 16 “Metro” traffic officers who issue citations on Fresno’s most collision-prone streets. These officers do not handle calls for service, as their main goal is to change poor driver behavior and prevent collisions before they occur. Throughout the evening hours there is a 34 officer “Neighborhood Traffic Unit” that targets impaired drivers and works special operations as needed.

Mounted Patrol

The Fresno Police Mounted Patrol was formed on July 12, 1999 and has gone through extensive training for several years. The training consists of equitation, crowd control tactics, formation riding, police tactics and stimulus training, and many other things. Currently one part time officer and one sergeant are assigned to the MPU. The Unit is now staffed by 8 Reserve Police Officers and 5 collateral duty Police Officers. The MPU perform standard police functions: make arrests, conduct investigations, issue citations and handle routine calls. In addition, the MPU is used for special events, crowd control and park problems.

There are currently seven horses in the MPU. The horses are all Standard Bred horses and range from 14 years of age to 4 years of age. Five of the horses are fully trained and ready for deployment. The two newest horses are currently undergoing training before being certified for duty.

Each officer that is assigned to the Mounted Unit must attend a 40 hour P.O.S.T. course that is taught by our in house training staff. The MPU also holds monthly training that each officer must attend.

K9 Unit

The Fresno Police Department canine unit was founded in March 1993. Originally there were seven dogs that assisted in searches and arrests. Today we have 14 patrol dogs, four cross trained for narcotics detection and three cross trained explosive ordinance dogs.The K-9 unit works on all three shifts, to give the city 24 hour. coverage, in all five of the city's policing districts. The K-9's are specially trained in locating, controlling and apprehending criminal suspects, locating missing or lost persons, evidence location, narcotics detection and protecting their handler from harm.

Fresno PD Police Service Dog Memorial: In November, 2007 our unit dedicated the K-9 memorial for all of the Fresno Police Service dogs that have died. The memorial was made possible by donations from the citizens of Fresno.

Training Facilities: The Fresno Police Department maintains a training facility at the Duncan Polytechnic Agricultural Farm. The farm also houses the Fresno Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit.

facilities include an obedience field, obstacle course, and several areas to conduct multiple searches and other exercises.

K-9 Patrol Units: The K-9 patrol cars are standard police units modified for transporting our dogs. Instead of having a back seat the units have a specially made dog cage, and electric doors that may be opened remotely by the handlers. Some of the special features you may not notice include a ventilation system, windows that automatically go down when the temperature in the interior of the car gets too high. The car will also activate the lights and siren and send a signal to the K-9 officer's pager warning him of the problem.

Video Policing

The Fresno Police Department’s Video Policing Program began in 2005. Working with the community, the Department developed policies and procedures to use the latest in video technology to fight crime, while protecting the privacy interests of the public. The first test cameras were installed at Manchester Center, followed by additional cameras at Roeding Park in 2007. Advances in technology allowed Video Policing to grow rapidly in 2008, resulting in ninety-three cameras placed throughout Fresno. Nine police cadets monitor these cameras around the clock. They watch for pending disturbances and crimes in progress, and assist officers by retrieving recorded evidence from the system. To further ensure the integrity of the Program, a retired Federal Judge has volunteered to audit the process. The Video Policing Program has successfully assisted officers in the arrest and prosecution of suspects in shootings, stabbings, drunk driving accidents, assaults, prostitution, and drug trafficking.

Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P.)

In August 1996, Department members and an advisory board of Neighborhood Watch members began work on creating volunteer program. Law enforcement agencies in California, Arizona, Washington, and England were contacted, and an analysis of their volunteer programs was initiated and completed.

The combined research, Department tours, interviews with supervisors, volunteers and field officers led to the foundation of the Fresno Police Department’s "Citizens on Patrol" program. An academy was developed and the first members graduated on February 25, 1997. Since then, several hundred residents have passed through the academy’s doors. Many have gone on to law enforcement careers, having become police officers, police reserves, and/or community service officers.

The responsibilities of the Citizens on Patrol have varied and are growing as time goes by. The following are some of the duties performed by the members: High visibility non-confrontational patrol, Assisting officers/community service officers as needed, Traffic control, Storing/impounding marked abandoned vehicles, Crime scene preservation, Re-supply of district stations, Search for missing children/adults, Book property, Transport department vehicles, Transport victims/witnesses, Operate radar display boards, Handicap parking enforcement, Assist at special events, and Holiday patrol of shopping centers.

Monthly training sessions are held to update COP members. Training is also held on a monthly basis to address concerns specific to the district that the individual COP is assigned to.

entire team is made up of five units. One unit is assigned to each of the policing districts in the City of Fresno. there is also a traffic unit that is assigned to the Department’s traffic Bureau. That unit works on functions city-wide.

Each unit is made up of a team leader, a co-team leader and additional assignments that the team leader feels is necessary. These positions oversee the regular members, while each district unit is under the direct supervision of a sergeant.

All personnel issues are handled at the district level. When a recruit completes the COP academy and is assigned to a unit, field-training begins and is tailored to the needs of the individual district.

On July 1, 2010, a new unit of COP's was rolled out. The COP Specialist, was added to better serve the community of Fresno. These Specialists completed an additional 44 hours of course work and additional hours of training in the field. Their primary mission is to relieve the officers from lower priority calls, such as Vehicle Burglary, Vehicle Vandalism, and Petty Theft, so that the officers may be available for higher priority calls. At this time, there are only 10 members department wide.

Fallen officers

Since the establishment of the Fresno Police Department, 12 officers have died in the line of duty.
Officer Date of Death Details
Officer Harry S. Van Meter
Thursday, February 21, 1907
Gunfire
Night Watchman Lucius C. Smith Thursday, October 10, 1907 Gunfire
Patrolman Clay V. Helms
Monday, May 15, 1911
Train accident
Officer Charles L. Rouse
Sunday, April 16, 1916
Gunfire
Sergeant James M. Hardenbrook
Monday, July 31, 1922
Gunfire
Detective Frank Campbell
Thursday, January 15, 1931
Gunfire
Sergeant John Brame
Thursday, January 22, 1931
Gunfire
Officer Elmer Forsman
Monday, October 7, 1946
Motorcycle accident
Sergeant Salvador G. Mosqueda
Monday, August 20, 1973
Gunfire
Officer Lanny (Skip) Stevenson
Saturday, December 8, 1979
Gunfire
Officer John R. Hissong II
Saturday, July 4, 1981
Heart attack
Officer William E. Lehn
Tuesday, June 21, 1994
Vehicle pursuit

CALEA

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., is a credentialing authority , based in the United States, whose primary mission is to accredited public safety agencies, namely law enforcement agencies, training academies, communications centers, and campus public safety...

 (CALEA) accredited the Fresno Police Department on July 30, 2005. In April 2008 the department successfully completed the re-accreditation.

The Fresno Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in California to achieve this award. As of September 2009, only fourteen other agencies in California have become accredited by CALEA, with nine others currently in the self-assessment phase; one of those is the California Highway Patrol.

there are over 448 standards the department must meet to get accreditation and then hold that.

Fresno Police Officers Association

FPOA members receive augmented health vision and dental benefits along with legal advise and defense and survivor support and benefits

History

The Fresno Police Officers' Association was founded in the early 1900s, known first as the Widow and Orphan's Organization. As the name implied, the organization provided assistance to the families of its members. Some time later, the name changed to the Fresno Police Relief Association, and in 1951, was incorporated. Services of the organization expanded by this time and emphasis was placed on improving the benefits, salary, and working conditions of the FPOA member. The name was once again changed in 1975 to its current name, although it is usually referred to simply as the FPOA. Although the FPOA has undergone many transformations during the 100+ years it has been in existence, its primary purpose remains the same: Service.

Leadership

The FPOA Board of Directors, consist of 18 elected positions: Three officers (President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President), 12 Directors at Large, one staff Director and two Retiree Directors. Board members serve without compensation. In addition to the Board of Directors, Representatives for various divisions are also appointed to enhance communications and represent the needs of the officers to the Board. FPOA members are welcome to attend monthly Board meetings,

Fresno Police Department Credit Union

Founded On December 3, 1954, The Fresno Police Department Credit Union serves only members of the Fresno police department and their families. Its original location was in one of the rooms at the old police department in downtown Fresno; it now serves almost 4000 members.

The current headquarters are located at 1004 N. Van Ness, which is the only branch office. They are a full service credit union with over $35 million in assets.

Regional Training Facility

In 1999 the state designated Fresno a Regional Law Enforcement Training Center. it will be a complete law enforcement training center covering 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) in southwest Fresno, it will featuring classrooms, EVOC, firearms range, a “mat room,” and is will open summer 2010.
  • Driving
    • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) featuring pursuit and urban driving environments
    • Skid Pad (240 ft x 300 ft)
    • PIT Training area (80 ft x 300 ft)
    • Driver Awareness (300 ft x 900 ft)
    • Collision avoidance area
    • 25 degree banked corner in pursuit course

  • Firearms
    • Six 50 yard handgun ranges, 90 feet (27.4 m) wide each with 15 shooting lanes
    • 200 yard rifle range
    • Computer controlled targeting systems, including pop-up, rotating, and “running-man”

  • Tactical
    • 3 story “Tactical Training House” using live-fire marking cartridges
      • Interior and exterior staircases
      • “Forced entry door”
      • Track system that allows walls and doors to be moved for unlimited room variations
      • Fog system to simulate operating in a gas (or low visibility) environment
      • Attic hatch for training in K-9 insertions and mirror techniques
      • Closed circuit camera for monitoring and debrief of scenarios
    • 3 story sniper tower, can also be used for rappelling and window assaults

  • Arrest & Control / Defensive Tactics
    • Large “mat-room” for arrest and control, defensive tactics, baton, etc.

  • Regional Skills Training Center
    • Four Law Enforcement Driving Simulator (LEDS) pods
    • Force Options Simulator (FOS) force simulation system
    • Courses provided to all local agencies as part of the POST Regional Skills Training Program

See also


External links

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