Arrest of Fresno police deputy chief on drug charges sparks protests

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The recent arrest of Fresno Police Deputy Chief Keith Foster on federal drug charges is sparking protests in Downtown Fresno. Several people gathered Monday evening outside the federal courthouse to call on better policing in the city of Fresno.

The Mexican American Political Association, or MAPA, organized the event. They say they've been trying to work with the city to improve relations, but Deputy Chief Foster's arrest has set that back. MAPA says it doesn't trust Fresno police and is calling on the community to make improvements.

"We are not going to tell people not to call the police, but at the same time we're going to demand that people start building strong relationships with each other in a way to prevent crime, to help each other out, to get to know each other," said Juan Avitia with MAPA.

Protesters say they hope the city will redirect funds from the police department's already struggling budget to create community and after-school programs for local kids.