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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Fresno County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

“one Stop” Regional Centers

Published: December 04, 2002 32 pages
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Findings 4 findings

F1 Page 62
Section 06.00 of the above order, General Call Handling, states: “When responding to use a canine in a specific situation, the handler shall evaluate whether the use of the canine is feasible 52 within the capability of the canine, and whether the request is consistent with Department policy. The handler shall determine when the canine is deployed.”
F2 Page 63
Section 07.02 of the above order, Active Tracking, states: “Canine teams may be deployed for “active tracking” (fleeing suspects attempting to avoid detection of the handler). “Active” tracking may be accomplished either “on lead” or “ off lead”. The handler shall consider the area’s geography, nature of the offense, presence of weapons, and the possibility of the interference by or injury to bystanders.” H. There is no provision in the above orders directing the use of ballistic vests for the canines. I. The FPD does possess ballistic vests for canines. J. Funds for ballistic vests were made available through private donations and a fund raising event. K. Ballistic vests are utilized at the discretion of the handler. L. Those interviewed stated that ballistic vests, currently possessed by the Canine Operation, are not satisfactory and diminish the effectiveness and stamina of the canine for the following reasons: • Too heavy • Too bulky, which restricts mobility • Out-of-date technology and materials retain heat M. Canine training with ballistic vests is conducted. N. New ballistic vests, utilizing lightweight materials and the most current technology, are available. The Department is researching the feasibility and costs with various vendors, to make a determination on purchasing new ballistic vests. O. The following statistics are attributable to the Canine Operation for the Year ending June 30, 2002: • Placates (peaceful resolutions) 1,542 • Arrests 444 • Finds 148 53 Conclusions A. The Canine Operation is an essential component of the Fresno Police Department. B. Divisional Order No. 4.1.23, entitled Canine Operations, issued on December 20, 2001, needs to be revised to include guidelines for proper deployment of canines with ballistic vests. C. Standing Order 2.3.1 establishes the authority for the Canine Operations Manual. D. Canine ballistic vests currently possessed are outdated. E. New ballistic vests, utilizing lightweight materials and the most current technology, are available. F. Deploying canines without ballistic vests may be hazardous and has resulted in serious injury to a canine. G. Injury to a canine results in a great deal of emotional strain on the Fresno Police Department. H. Canine training with ballistic vests is inadequate.
F3 Page 71
Driving under the influence (DUI)
F4
Pedestrian involved C. The City of Fresno has a total police force of approximately 1,100 officers to cover an area of about 100 square miles. However, only 22 officers were assigned to traffic enforcement in 2002. Since that time the police department has added 15 traffic officers. D. The City of Fresno authorized the installation of cameras, under its “Red Light Camera Enforcement Program,” at the following intersections: Herndon and Blackstone, Herndon and First Street, and First Street and McKinley, with operation commencing in April 2002. E. Initially, the images captured by the cameras, excluding exempt vehicles (police officers, funeral processions, out-of-state, and exempt licenses) resulted in citations issued to only 21% of the violators. Following camera adjustments, this percentage of citations issued has increased to 35%. F. Additional experience with the “Red Light” cameras is needed to obtain statistical information upon which to base future decisions regarding the cameras. G. In 2002, the monthly average of traffic infraction filings in the Fresno Division of the Traffic Courts was 4,830; this average increased to 8,750 for the first four months of 2003, and is projected to remain at this level through 2003. H. The increase in the filing of traffic infractions created a processing backlog. This problem was further compounded by a court staff reduction caused by the state’s fiscal problems. I. The backlog continued to rise until the City of Fresno provided the courts with added staff assistance. The backlog currently stands at 6,786, while the manageable level is about 500 to 600. J. In 2002, the City and County of Fresno entered into an agreement whereby the County shares a portion of the revenues derived from traffic fines and forfeitures generated from citations issued within the City. Such revenues are stipulated for use in traffic safety enforcement and related education activities. The City has failed to allocate funding under the new agreement for traffic related education activities. K. The Fresno City Police Department reported that in 2002 the greatest number of drivers involved in injuries and fatal traffic accidents were in the 19-29 age group. L. National statistics reveal that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for youths in the age group 15-19; this group comprises 7% of the driving population, but is involved in 17% of fatal accidents. M. Some high schools in Fresno County do not offer driver education as required by Section 51220(j), of the California Code.

Recommendations 27