FRESNO (KMJ) – A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday, October 4th, at the new Fresno Police substation at the Manchester Center.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin was joined by Fresno Chief Jerry Dyer, City Manager Bruce Rudd and Ben Nazarian, owner of Manchester Center, to officially open the new Central Fresno Policing District located on the mall’s second floor.
As gang violence has been increasing in Central Fresno, dozens of police officers will now be able to provide a quicker response for calls.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says it expands Fresno PD’s current policing districts from four to five, with 80 officers patrolling the center of the city.
Chief Dyer says the cost of the space – free – provided by mall owner Nazarian, was too good to pass up.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin says it’s an ideal location due to its central locale, proximity to freeway access, and availability of office space, located on the busy Blackstone corridor – which is also seeing a revitalization- and close to the Manchester Transit Center.
Chief Dyer offered a tour to the media after the ceremony – pointing out some of the memorabilia that was incorporated into the new building. You can see a quick tour on our KMJ Twitter Feed.
Listen to a report by KMJ Reporter Liz Kern:
