Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email [email protected].
An expert on nightlife and policing said Fresno Police Department’s push to allocate dozens of police to the Fresno’s nightlife corridor won’t by itself stop crime or improve safety.
Fresno PD has beefed up its presence in the Tower District in recent years, where bars, music venues and clubs attract hundreds of partygoers every weekend. Police Chief Mindy Casto said this increased police presence — which started around 2024 — is due to “volatility of the crowd,” especially in the late night hours, when people gather on the sidewalks after bars close. On some nights, there are up to 30 officers assigned to the area, she said…