Officials criticize Fresno police chief amid investigation into ‘inappropriate’ off-duty relationship

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) – Controversial Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama is at the center of a city investigation into his conduct and has now come under fire from his own officers.

City officials announced last Thursday that Balderrama admitted to having an “inappropriate off-hours relationship with a non-city employee” in February.

Action News has now confirmed that the leadership of the Fresno Police Officers Association raised questions about the investigation in a message to union members on Friday.

“The prevailing opinion on this situation was also that no policy violations had been identified,” wrote CEO Brandon Wiemiller.

“This is an incredible offense to every sworn member of the agency who will be held accountable for violations of policies regarding ‘discretion’ and ‘inappropriate conduct.'”

Faced with growing questions for the chief of nearly 900 police officers in California’s fifth-largest city, union leaders are now calling an extraordinary board meeting for Wednesday.

It is unclear why Balderrama is allowed to remain in office or why he came forward in February.

When asked for further information on Monday, the mayor and city council representative said they had “no further comment.”

Balderrama stays away from reporters. Instead, the boss posts Bible passages and news from his department on social media.

The criticism of Balderrama comes after Action News confirmed some of the police department’s internal policies.

One section states that employees could face disciplinary action if their conduct during or outside of working hours is inappropriate or reflects poorly on the department or its members.

City Attorney Andrew Janz said late Monday that the investigation into Balderrama was ongoing and would be “thorough.”

The city administration will review the final report confidentially, Janz said.

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