Fresno Police Department

Fresno Police Department
Patch of the Fresno Police Department
Patch of the Fresno Police Department
Seal of the Fresno Police Department
Seal of the Fresno Police Department
Badge of the Fresno Police Department
Badge of the Fresno Police Department
Flag of Fresno, California
Flag of Fresno, California
Common nameFresno P.D.
AbbreviationFPD
Motto"Safety, Service and Trust!"
Agency overview
Employees2,034,182 (6969)
Annual budget$481 million (2024)[1]
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionFresno, California, United States
Size104.8 square miles (271 km2)
Population530,073 (2018)
Legal jurisdictionCity of Fresno
Governing bodyFresno City Council
General nature
Operational structure
Headquarters2323 Mariposa Mall
Fresno, California, U.S.
Police officers811
Unsworn members252
Agency executive
  • Mindy Casto,
    Interim Chief of Police
Field Operations Divisions
5
  • Southwest
  • Southeast
  • Northeast
  • Northwest
  • Central
Facilities
Vehicles
813
  • Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Magnum (K9)
  • Special service SUV
  • Special Service Trucks
Helicopters2
Planes1
K9s14
Website
www.fresno.gov/police/

The Fresno Police Department (FPD) is the municipal police department for Fresno, California. Their headquarters is located at 2323 Mariposa Mall.[2] Mindy Casto is the current interim Chief of Police for the Fresno Police Department since June 13, 2024 [3] following a scandal of Former Chief Paco Balderrama who later resigned on June 25, 2024[4]

Fallen officers

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Since the establishment of the Fresno Police Department, 15 officers have died in the line of duty.[5]

Special Units

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The Fresno Police Department has 11 specialized units which provide support in different situations.

DUI Education Program

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In an effort to reduce traffic violations and vehicle collisions the FPD established the DUI Education Program (DUI stands for: Driving Under the Influence).[6] The DUI Education Program is involved in educating, enforcement and prevention of driving under the influence.[7]

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD)

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The Fresno Police Department's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit is a bomb squad established in 1974. The unit is involved in training explosive ordnance technicians.[8]

The unit assisted during the September 11 attacks, going full-time as the city's first Anti-Terrorism Unit. Recent advancements include a new robot, greater detection and disruption capabilities and a total containment vessel.

Internal Affairs Bureau

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The Internal Affairs Bureau investigates allegations of misconduct by members of the FPD.[9]

K9 Unit

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The FPD K9 Unit was established in 1993. The police dogs are utilized every day, assisting patrol and other specialized department units with warrant arrests, building searches, suspect tracking, evidence location, vehicle stops and narcotic searches.[10]

Violence Intervention & Community Engagement Unit (VICS)

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The Violence Intervention & Community Engagement Unit, formerly known as the Mayor's Gang Prevention Initiative, was established in 2006. The objective of this unit is to minimize violence throughout the community and to reduce gang-related crime. VICS is involved in the engagement and services of the community.[11]

Mounted Patrol

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The Fresno Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 1999. In 2010, the decision was made to disband the unit, but in the same year, the unit was able to resume its activities due to community contributions. The Mounted Patrol teams patrol public areas on horseback.[12]

Skywatch

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Skywatch was established in 1996. This unit is the Fresno Police Department's Air Support Unit and its helicopter patrol service.[13]

Street Violence Unit

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The Street Violence Unit responds to violence crimes around Fresno. The Street Violence Unit comprises the Homicide Unit, Robbery/Felony Assault Unit, the plain clothes Tactical Team, and the Night Detective Unit.[14]

Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT)

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The Fresno Police Department SWAT Team supports the Fresno Police Department with a tactical response to critical incidents which are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Department members.[15]

Traffic unit

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The Department's Traffic unit focuses on traffic safety. The unit is involved in educating drivers about safety and to combat impaired driving.[16]

Records & Information Service Bureau

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The Records and Information Service Bureau maintains reports and records for the Fresno Police Department[17]

Fresno Police Department tactical patch
Fresno Police Skywatch

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sullivan, Carl; Baranauckas, Carla (June 26, 2020). "Here's how much money goes to police departments in largest cities across the U.S." USA Today. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020.
  2. ^ "Fresno Police Headquarters | Downtown Fresno". www.downtownfresno.org. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
  3. ^ Rashad, Omar Shaikh (2024-06-13). "Fresno police chief put on administrative leave amidst investigation". Fresnoland. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  4. ^ Rashad, Omar Shaikh (2024-06-25). "Fresno police chief resigns after investigation into affair". Fresnoland. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  5. ^ "Fresno Police Department, California, Fallen Officers". Odmp.org. Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  6. ^ "Police Department | DUI Educational Program". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  7. ^ "Administration and Finance". adminfinance.fresnostate.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  8. ^ "Police Department | Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD)". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  9. ^ "Police Department | Internal Affairs". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  10. ^ "Police Department | K9 Unit". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  11. ^ "Police Department | Violence Intervention & Community Engagement". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  12. ^ "Police Department | Mounted Patrol". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  13. ^ "Police Department | Skywatch". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  14. ^ "Police Department | Street Violence Unit". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  15. ^ "Police Department | SWAT". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  16. ^ "Police Department | Traffic". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  17. ^ "Police Department | Records & Reports". Retrieved 2022-07-05.
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