The police chief of Fresno is under investigation. He remains in office.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama is currently under investigation by City Hall, but he will remain in office, Mayor Jerry Dyer’s administration said in a press release Thursday.

“In February 2024, Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Manager Georgeanne White were informed by Police Chief Paco Balderrama that an allegation would likely be made against him relating to an inappropriate off-duty relationship he had with a non-City employee. The City initiated an administrative investigation, using an independent investigator on behalf of the City Attorney’s Office, to determine whether the Police Chief violated department policy. The investigation is in the review process. Police Chief Balderrama has served as Police Chief for the past 3½ years and has been instrumental in rebuilding the ranks of the Fresno Police Department and dramatically reducing the violent crime rate. Until the investigation is completed and thoroughly reviewed, we ask that you withhold your judgment on this confidential personnel matter. Police Chief Balderrama will remain on duty and continue to serve as Fresno Police Chief,” spokeswoman Sontaya Rose said in an email statement.

Balderrama has been chief since January 2021 and is credited with reducing violent crime in the city.

Balderrama and Dyer started their respective jobs in January 2021. Although Dyer did not hire Balderrama – former Mayor Lee Brand’s administration did so months earlier – the mayor has continually publicly supported his boss. Dyer retired as police chief in 2019, with Andy Hall serving in the interim.

Balderrama moved to Fresno from Oklahoma City, where he served as deputy chief, and helped grow the department to its current 960 funded sworn positions.

On Wednesday, Balderrama presented his budget to the City Council, where he received high praise from councilors and City Manager Georgeanne White for reducing violent crime.

The police chief reports to the city manager, who makes such personnel decisions.

Finally, he thanked Dyer.

“Serving as chief has been a struggle at times. I’ve had a few nights where I wondered, ‘What the hell have I gotten myself into?’ But I can tell you, it’s very gratifying to see the success of this police department. And you know, I can’t forget our mayor either. You know, he told me a while ago, I can’t give you a contract, but I gave you my word that you’re my man as long as I’m mayor. So, so far, it’s going well. Thank you for your support. We can’t do it without you,” Balderrama said.

City Councilman Mike Karbassi told GV Wire he would not comment until the investigation is complete.