Parlier Police Department: A Chief in trouble.

I have worked for a large fruit processor for many years in Parlier and recently bought a home here. I am concerned with the goings on at the police department over the last year or so.

I moved my family from Fresno due to high crime and to be closer to work. I was bothered by the letter to the editor two weeks ago from the Chief of Police talking about making police reports. I shouldn’t have to go “online” to file a report. I pay taxes for police services and my expectation is when I report a crime, an officer responds. Parlier is a small, tight nit community. The police management should recognize this and respond accordingly.

I have family in law enforcement and have spoken with some of our local officers. Officers are very concerned about the recent allegations of misconduct by the Chief of Police. These officers still come to work every day and do the absolute best job they can for us. These officers deserve better from the police administration and city leaders. It’s time for decisive action by our elected leaders. Change is needed. A Chief of Police as any manager should not “choose sides” and play favorites. They should be an impartial, unbiased “leader”. The Chief’s letter to the editor this week discussing internal issues was an embarrassing act of desperation. Not a hint of compassion or legitimate reassurance.

The police department is our 24 hour representative of local government. We call the police department for many non-police issues. Our officers and staff of the police department deserve a leader, not just a manager. Opportunities potentially abound this election year for our police department through Measure S, if it passes.

Let’s be ready and prepared, not just react.