The City of Fresno’s Office of Independent Review released it’s second quarter report today, analyzing hiring and promotional practices within the police department in light of the Keith Foster investigation.
The Director of the Office of Independent Review Rick Rasmussen examined the period from April 1st through June 31, and is providing his recommendations.
His findings were that it is exceptional that Fresno was going 7 1/2 months without an “OIS” – Officer Involved Shooting.
For a while, the City of Fresno was averaging one OIS shooting per month.
Chief Jerry Dyer and the Fresno Police Department are embracing new policies and officers are thinking about de-escalation from the moment they arrive on scene of an incident.
Rasmussen found that that hiring and promotional practices are solid – surpassing the national standards.
The OIR is recommending the City of Fresno do financial disclosures for anyone being promoted through the ranks from Sargent all the way to Chief.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin has said she embraces the outside review to ensure that all departments follow best practices and restore confidence in the department that was shaken with the Keith Foster investigation.
Former Deputy Police Chief Foster was arrested in March of 2015 for conspiring to distribute oxycodone, pot and heroin.
Financial troubles may have played a part, as 51 year-old Foster owed $38,000 in back taxes along with tens of thousands in personal debt, and $5,100 in monthly child support payments.
A report by the OIR back in April concluded the allegations against Foster alone indicate that procedural weaknesses existed within the department that allowed Foster’s personal failures to go undetected.
The City hoped that by being proactive and adopting new policies, the Fresno Police Department becomes even more secure and able to detect any illegal activity by any employee.
