Last Tuesday (May 22, 2007) Matilda Rangel and Gloria Hernandez set up a table on the Mariposa Mall, next to the Fresno Police Department, and asked people passing by to sign a petition to establish an Independent Police Auditor (IPA). Fresno is the only city of its size in California without a system of independent police oversight.

The issue of establishing an IPA will be on the agenda when the Fresno city council discusses next years budget on June 5. The mayor is proposing to fund an IPA that reports directly to him. The Central California Criminal Justice Committee (CCCJC) wants to see an IPA that reports to the city council and the mayor.

Several city council members have told CCCJC representatives that their constituents are not telling them they want an IPA. That is why Rangel and Hernandez set up a table to collect signatures in front of the police department. They want to show city council members that there is popular support for the proposal.

While gathering signatures, Hernandez said "we heard testimony of excessive force, abuse of authority, and about things stolen from them by police officers. People from all walks of life, from all parts of the city of Fresno came to our table to sign the petition."

Photos and article / earlier article