Clovis selects new police chief. He’s a familiar face in the department

Clovis Police Captain Curt Fleming, a veteran of the department, has been promoted to police chief, Clovis City Manager Luke Serpa announced Friday.

“Captain Fleming is a natural leader and an innovative professional with a clear understanding of emerging law enforcement issues,” Serpa said. “I am confident in his ability to lead the men and women of the Clovis Police Department in their mission to provide superior protection and service to our community.”

Fleming replaces the retiring Matt Basgall, who served as chief of police for the past five years. Fleming’s promotion takes effect Aug. 3, once he is confirmed by the city council.

Fleming has risen through the ranks of the Clovis Police Department over his 13-year career. He joined the agency in 2006 and was promoted to corporal in 2012. He advanced to the level of sergeant in 2013, lieutenant in 2015, and to captain in 2018.

Over the years, Fleming has held a number of positions, including patrol sergeant, field training officer, detective, narcotics sergeant, computer forensics examiner, motor officer, and patrol volunteer coordinator.

Most recently he oversaw the department’s patrol, records, and communications divisions.

Fleming is a Fresno State graduate where he earned his bachelor of science in criminology and master of science in criminology. He is also very active in the community, including serving on the Cal-ID RAN Board, Cal Chiefs Technology Committee, as member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the California Police Chiefs Association.

The Clovis Police Department has more than 200 staff members and an annual operating budget of nearly $40 million dollars for the 2019-20 fiscal year.