Fresno police to get millions in state grant money to fight retail theft

FRESNO, Calif. (BNN)-- It was a yes from Fresno City Council on Thursday early morning.
Councilmembers voted to license Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama to accept $23.6 million in grant financing from the State of California.
"" Is there any opposition? None, motion passes, 7-0,"" said City Council President Tyler Maxwell.
Fifteen million dollars of the grant money will go to the Fresno Police Department, and it will be partially utilized to create the Fresno Metropolitan Area Organized Retail Task Force.
FPD will also partner with the Clovis Police Department and share a few of the funding.
In addition, the Fresno County Probation Department and the Fresno County District Attorney'& #x 27; s Office will also be granted a few of the grant cash.
"" We'& #x 27; ve also listened to our service neighborhood that they are irritated with a few of the petty theft, with some of the organized retail theft that has been going on. In addition to that, as you understand, last year, catalytic converter thefts were record high. We wanted to do something about that,"" said Chief Balderrama.
Cash will likewise be used for high-definition video cameras that will be placed around the city of Fresno that will help detectives catch lawbreakers in the act.
Chief Balderrama said he and his group had to strategically make an application for this funding since 111 cities in California submitted for the grant.
"" We were granted per capita, one of the most than any other city in California,"" stated Chief Balderrama.
City Councilmember Mike Karbassi applauded the work Chief Balderrama and the police department have done so far to keep individuals safe.
"" This arranged retail criminal activity task force work you'& #x 27; re gon na do is a huge deal for our whole city. It'& #x 27; s a huge offer if you & #x 27; re a consumer going into a service. It'& #x 27; s a huge offer if you'& #x 27; re a worker and you feel risky,"" said Councilmember Karbassi. For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on, Twitter and Instagram.