Last thing Fresno needs is a cloud of suspicion over police chief | Opinion
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Fresno Police Chief Controversy
Click the arrow below to read more stories about the investigation into Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama’s off-duty behavior.
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When the chief of police is being investigated, no matter the reason, it’s never a good thing.
The last thing Fresno needs is a cloud of suspicion hanging over its top cop. Regardless of whether Police Chief Paco Balderrama’s “inappropriate off-duty relationship” with a non-city employee proves to be a false allegation, or if this is just the tip of the iceberg.
One of those two scenarios is obviously worse than the other. But neither is good for Fresno.
Thursday’s news release revealing the independent investigation into Balderrama’s conduct provided few answers and raised numerous questions.
What is the nature of the alleged inappropriate relationship? What Fresno Police Department or city policy might Balderrama have violated? And why did City Hall issue a news release now, four months after the allegation surfaced but before the investigation was completed?
Let’s focus on that last one. The answer is to get ahead of the news and control the messaging. Mayor Jerry Dyer and his communications staff were being flooded with media inquiries on Wednesday and Thursday, and this was their way of putting the desired spin on a story that has the potential to be a huge mess.
That Dyer and City Manager Georgeanne White (Balderrama’s direct supervisor) chose to get ahead of the story rather than remain silent about an ongoing investigation can also be parsed.
By publicizing one allegation against the police chief, it could mean city leaders are shielding themselves from blowback from other accusations they’re aware of that could potentially come to light. Further allegations that could result in Balderrama being placed on leave or even losing his job.
Because, if the investigation reveals no violation occurred, Balderrama would seemingly have every right to sue his employers for sullying his reputation.
Again, neither outcome is good for Fresno.
That’s as far as I’m willing to venture into Conjecture-land at present. Too much remains unanswered and everyone, police chiefs included, deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Evaluated strictly by his professional responsibilities, Balderrama has served Fresno well in the 3 1⁄2 years since his arrival from Oklahoma City, where he rose to deputy chief.
While crime rates always get the most attention – Fresno’s total homicides and violent crimes are way down, mirroring national trends – Balderrama’s contributions run deeper.
When Balderrama assumed the reins in January 2021, more than 100 of the department’s sworn officers were out on long-term leave. The new chief created an internal investigation unit, which found a number were “gaming” the worker’s comp system. His frankness in addressing the issue was a refreshing change.
Younger, more diverse officers
After clearing out the deadwood, Balderrama turned his efforts to recruitment.
Unlike many California cities, police in Fresno enjoy universal support from politicians of every stripe. None of them question why the police department sucks up half of the city’s general fund on an annual basis. During Wednesday’s police budget hearing, only Councilmember Miguel Arias asked Balderrama about the need for a new $5 million helicopter during a time when other departments are tightening their belts.
But just because Fresno has the funding and political will to strengthen its police force doesn’t mean that automatically happens. Balderrama has succeeded not only in recruiting sizable classes of cadets to the Fresno City College police academy but also in retaining the vast majority of those graduates.
Under Balderrama’s leadership, the police department has become younger and more representative of the communities it serves. Most of his new hires are ethnic minorities, and women make up a larger share than ever.
The feedback I’ve heard – from council members and residents alike – is that these new officers are professional and approachable.
Another area where Balderrama has stood out is visibility. Judging by social media, days seldom pass without an appearance from the chief at a school, function or special event. And when the chief can’t be there, his officers are.
It’s undeniable Fresno PD has made significant strides under Balderrama, and it would be unfortunate to have any of that momentum disrupted.
None of this is good for Fresno. No matter where this story leads.
This story was originally published June 9, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
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