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Selma Police Department reports declines in Part I crime, major gun recoveries and higher proactive patrols
Summary
Chief Albert Alcaraz presented the department’s annual update showing a multi-year decrease in Part I crimes, a large number of illegal firearms seized and a rise in self-initiated police activity; the report highlighted staffing, dispatch, investigations and animal services metrics.
Police Chief Albert Alcaraz told the Selma City Council on April 1 that the department reduced Part I crimes across the city and made a substantial number of firearm recoveries in the past year.
Chief Alcaraz said the department recorded a 16% drop in Part I crimes between 2023 and 2024 and a 19% drop in traffic collisions in the past year. He highlighted that officers initiated a majority of calls — roughly 58% of the department’s recorded activity in the period was self‑initiated officer action, such as traffic stops and subject checks.
A central metric in the report: the department said it recovered 81 illegal firearms in 2024, a figure Chief Alcaraz described as “a major public‑safety achievement.” He credited coordinated work by patrol and investigations, plus evidence and crime-analysis support from the Fresno County District Attorney’s lab partnership.
Other highlights and operational notes
- Patrol and proactive policing: Alcaraz emphasized officer visibility and frequent self‑initiated activity as drivers of reduced collisions and crime.
- Investigations and evidence: The department reported more than 100 search warrants authored by detectives in the year and about 2,300 evidence items booked. The department said eight evidence items tested positive for fentanyl.
- Dispatch and support services: Dispatch averages and response-time numbers were presented; Chief Alcaraz noted the department’s communications personnel are integral and that calls fluctuate by weekday.
- Animal services and collaborative work: The chief praised the shelter’s “live‑release” success and coordination with the advisory committee; he said high live‑release and return‑to‑owner rates reduced patrol workload.
Council-level discussion and next steps
Council members commended officers and some members described ride‑along experiences. Council asked about additional K‑9 capacity and about staffing and equipment such as automated license‑plate readers (vendor presentation planned) and patrol AR availability. Chief Alcaraz said deployment of tools such as additional K‑9s and rifle‑style weapons requires training, staff willingness to carry equipment and funding; he indicated the department is working with the Selma Police Foundation and will bring budget requests forward.
Ending: Council thanked the department for the report and the chief said the department will continue to brief council as budget and technology requests are developed.
