More crime fighting measures out of Fresno.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer is working with the Fresno District Attorney to fight crime.
This afternoon, he announced the implementation of new Gun Crimes Unit.
Fresno District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp was present at Police Headquarters for the announcement, as their departments will have a close working relationship —-for the targeted prosecution of these crime cases.
Like many cities across the nation, over the last year, Fresno saw a recent violent crime spike.
In 2015:
Violent Crime up 14%
Shootings up 25%
Robberies up 31%
This was a dramatic change compared to the last decade when violent crime decreased 39%.
To reduce crime, Fresno’s Police Chief Jerry Dyer will work with the District Attorney to strategically and surgically targeting felons and gangs.
“Police and prosecutors will be working closely together and we will be calling on the citizens of Fresno to join us in this fight.” – District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
Dyer says gang warfare is often retaliation – sending a message by targeting homes, people and vehicles.
The Fresno Police Department will send their own message – making a list of the top 25 gang offenders with gang ties and serving arrest warrants –removing illegal assault weapons and their violent owners from the streets.
“Not only targeting the top 25, but any of their associates – so really it’s going to be a comprehensive approach to combating violent offenders in our community that we believe are in possession of guns to stop the next gang shooting. Not reactive but proactive.” – Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
