The Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the first of two votes required to adopt an ordinance that will allow investigators and prosecutors at the county district attorney’s office to carry firearms while on duty and inside government facilities. The measure follows a violent assault on a deputy district attorney in Courthouse Park last month that left the victim hospitalized with multiple stab wounds.
Why the ordinance matters to Fresno families
County Sheriff John Zanoni emphasized that the change is about protecting law‑enforcement professionals and the community they serve. “If you’re going to be carrying at different county facilities and county parks, and you really need to protect yourself, I’m going to emphasize training, proficiency and then security,” he said. The ordinance also permits the use of pepper spray and tasers as alternative self‑defense tools.
Fresno District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, who has led the office since 2015, warned that the “status of downtown” makes staff vulnerable to violent and mentally ill individuals who roam the area. She noted that she personally faces threats about twice a month, including a recent stalking incident. “People need to know that we are exercising our rights and protecting ourselves,” Zanoni added.
Details of the new policy
To qualify, prosecutors must hold a valid concealed‑carry permit (CCW). Starting next year, CCWs will be issued for three years instead of two, reducing the frequency of re‑applications and proficiency checks for law‑abiding citizens. Zanoni reported roughly 15,000 active CCWs in the county and said demand for permits is “extremely in demand” and growing.
The board’s ordinance also calls for increased security staffing around Courthouse Park and the county courthouse. Smittcamp asked the board to fund additional sheriff’s deputies to protect not only prosecutors but all employees working in and around the park.
Local officials back the measure
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer endorsed the ordinance, stating, “I fully support prosecutors having the ability to carry firearms in public spaces and within government facilities where allowed. It is imperative that they receive consistent and ongoing training.” He likened prosecutors to police officers and judges, noting that they are also vulnerable targets because of their role in prosecuting criminals.
County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, board chair, reiterated the county’s long‑standing support for the Second Amendment, saying, “An armed society of law‑abiding citizens is a safe society. I encourage people to get the training and protect themselves and their families because, unfortunately, police and sheriffs can’t be everywhere.”
Critics and broader context
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto declined to comment, and Mayor Dyer did not directly answer a question about the downtown “status.” Critics of the ordinance include advocates who argue that increasing firearms in government buildings could heighten tensions. Their concerns are noted, but the board’s vote reflects a consensus among local law‑enforcement leaders that the benefits of added protection outweigh potential drawbacks.
The ordinance arrives amid broader state‑level debates over criminal‑justice reforms. The Public Policy Institute of California recently linked Proposition 47’s reduction of certain felonies to misdemeanor status with rises in drug use and homelessness. Smittcamp also criticized Proposition 57 and AB 109, describing them as ineffective in curbing crime.
Next steps
The vote on Tuesday was the first of two required hearings. A second hearing is scheduled for September 22 at the board chambers. Fresno County will begin budget hearings on September 14, where the DA’s office will maintain its current staffing levels while adding three positions to the sheriff’s office.
Local leaders see the ordinance as a concrete step toward deterring future attacks on prosecutors and enhancing overall public safety in downtown Fresno.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
