A Closer Look at Policing in Fresno

Fresno Building Healthy Communities (BHC), in collaboration with Catalyst California, has released an eye-opening report, “Driven by Bias: An Analysis of Police Stops in Fresno.” This report reveals racial disparities in policing, showing that communities of color—particularly Black and Latinx residents—are disproportionately stopped and subjected to law enforcement actions.

Some of the key findings include:

• Disproportionate Stops – Black residents, who make up just 6.2% of Fresno’s population, are stopped by police at significantly higher rates than White residents.
• Pretextual Traffic Stops – Officers frequently pull over people of color for minor infractions, such as tinted windows or expired registration, as a means to conduct broader investigations.
• Use of Force – Men of color, especially Latinx and Asian men, are more likely to experience force during traffic stops.

The report also highlights the need for policy reforms, increased police accountability, and reinvestment in community-based programs that promote safety and well-being.

These findings are a call to action. To build a safer and more just Fresno, we must address these inequities and advocate for change.

📖 Read the full report and explore the recommendations here: fresnobhc.org/driven-by-bias-fresno-police-department-report

Together, we can push for a Fresno where fairness and justice are at the core of public safety.