Madera cops policing Parkwood
Courtesy of Madera Police Department Eight Madera future police officers who started training at the Fresno City College police academy Monday and will finish in December.
Madera police officers began patrols and responses to emergency calls this week in the rural community of Parkwood, south by southeast of Madera and just beyond the city limits.
“Expect to see City of Madera patrol vehicles patrolling your neighborhood,” said Madera Police Chief Steve Frazier. “Feel free to contact these officers as they look forward to meeting the residents of the area.”
Wednesday morning’s law agency handoff from the county sheriff’s office to the city’s police department has been anticipated for months, and enabled in part by a new tax revenue sharing agreement between the city and the county of Madera.
“The city has contracted with the county to provide law enforcement services,” said Madera Police Lt. Giachino Chiaramonte in response to public queries. “The city did not annex or incorporate the area into the city limits.”
Partly in anticipation of expansion, Madera police began recruiting new officers this spring, and sifted through 405 applications before selecting eight. The eight trainees started at Fresno City College’s police academy Monday and will finish in December. They will be paid while training.
“At that time they will promote to police officer and begin serving the community,” said Sgt. Randall “Randy” Williams, who called the new sworn positions the “first fruit” of the passage of Measure K in November.
The measure raised Madera’s sales tax by a half cent to expand public safety services and maintain city infrastructure, according to the city.
Those with questions or concerns about the law enforcement change may call the department at 675-4220. To offer crime tips, call 675-4242 anytime. For public police records, call 675-4200 from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. weekdays. For emergencies, call 911.
