By Carlos Avalos
At least some of the ground covered in Stuart Harmon’s documentary, titled “Fontana PD: Hate Within The Ranks” produced in cooperation with The Intercept and posted at theintercept.com for free viewing this week was previewed over the years by parallel articles and letters to the editor which ran in the Fontana Herald News and the San Bernardino County Sentinel.
One of these was a letter to the editor that ran in the Fontana Herald News on October 22, 2015 under the heading “Fontana is still affected by racism.” This showed the Fontana Police Department at the heart of these ongoing issues. This set the stage for a deeper dive into the department’s troubled culture.
Next, on August 22, 2016, the Sentinel reported on unresolved questions surrounding a series of in-custody deaths in 2002 involving the Fontana Police Department. Three men—Ismael Banda, David Michael Tyler, and Fermin Rincon—died under circumstances alleged to involve excessive force by police. Investigations cleared the officers, but some former officers and community members have criticized a “code of silence” that may have suppressed accountability (https://sbcsentinel.com/2016/08/14-years-later-questions-remain-over-spate-of-fpd-in-custody-deaths/).
The Sentinel then on September 4, 2016 published details alleged by two Fontana police officers who claim the FPD harbors systemic racism. They report instances of racial discrimination, harassment, and a hostile work environment, with minority officers allegedly facing unfair treatment compared to their counterparts. The officers assert that complaints of racism have been repeatedly ignored by department leadership. This raises concerns about the internal culture within the Fontana Police Department (https://sbcsentinel.com/2016/09/two-fontana-cops-allege-fpd-is-riddled-with-racism/).
On September 17, 2016 the Sentinel wrote about former Fontana Police Department “Officer of the Year” Dave Ibarra who resigned due to a perceived cultural clash within the department (https://sbcsentinel.com/2016/09/culture-clash-sent-former-fpd-officer-of-the-year-packing/). The officer, who had a background in the military, reportedly faced difficulties adjusting to what he described as the department’s leadership style and internal culture. His departure highlighted ongoing issues within the department related to management practices and morale among officers.
On January 1, 2017, the Sentinel the Sentinel published a report on the contrasting tributes given to two Fontana police officers who died in the line of duty. While both made significant sacrifices, the department and community offered different levels of recognition, sparking debate over how fallen officers are honored and remembered (https://sbcsentinel.com/2017/01/two-fallen-officers-accorded-differing-levels-of-honor-remembrance-respect/). This disparity has raised questions about standards of commemoration and respect within the department.
On February 6, 2017, the Sentinel reported on longstanding allegations of evidence tampering within the FPD, focusing on a 1994 incident involving the death of Jimmy Earl Burelson (https://sbcsentinel.com/2017/02/23-years-on-fpds-evidence-tampering-under-scrutiny-2/).
In April of 2017, the Sentinel published an article about serious allegations against the FPD, focusing on claims of racism, excessive force, and evidence tampering (From One Reporter’s Notebook | SBCSentinel). A notable case involves the death and alleged post-mortem desecration of Jimmy Earl Burelson, which has raised questions about the department’s culture and professionalism. His stepsister, Lurline Davis Jimmy Burelson closest relative called for an investigation and reform. Her brother’s body was reportedly desecrated with a chicken bone placed in his hand while dead on the autopsy table, sparking accusations of racial insensitivity and misconduct. This incident  resurfaced amid new legal scrutiny, raising questions about evidence handling and integrity within the department.
On August 23, 2017, the Sentinel reported on a terminated FPD officer who claimed he was fired for whistleblowing on unethical practices within the department (https://sbcsentinel.com/2017/08/terminated-whistleblowing-fontana-police-officer-seeking-reinstatement-tuesday/). He was seeking reinstatement, alleging his dismissal was retaliatory after he reported misconduct by fellow officers. His case is set for review by the Fontana City Council, and his legal battle highlights ongoing tensions within the department concerning transparency and internal accountability.
On September 13, 2019, the Sentinel reported on Jimmy Earl Burelson’s family filing a complaint against San Bernardino County and Fontana officials, alleging his body was desecrated by Fontana police officers in 1994 (https://sbcsentinel.com/2019/09/sb-city-officials-resolve-to-brass-out-whatever-opposition-muscupiabe-residents-show-toward-welfare-building-in-their-neihborhood/). The family’s attorney, Monrow Mabon, claimed police staged a photo of Burelson with a chicken leg to mock him and covered up details surrounding his death. The family seeks a renewed investigation, citing new evidence of misconduct and systemic racial discrimination within the police force.
On June 5, 2020, The Sentinel reported on how former Fontana Police Chief Rod Jones allegedly helped his son, Jeremiah Jones, secure a job with the Fontana Police Department despite Jeremiah’s criminal record, including accusations of rape (https://sbcsentinel.com/2020/06/father-helped-son-now-arrested-for-rape-land-fpd-job/). Jeremiah’s hiring has raised questions about possible favoritism and ethics violations, as his father may have influenced the process. The article highlighted concerns about internal hiring practices within the department, with implications for transparency and accountability.
On August 14, 2020, the Sentinel reported on critiques of the FPD’s longstanding lack of diversity, noting a culture dominated by white males and instances of racial bias (https://sbcsentinel.com/2020/08/four-corners/). The department has reportedly struggled to retain minority officers and has seen minimal diversity improvement over the years. Allegations include a biased hiring process, nepotism, and a history of racial discrimination, with examples of discriminatory incidents and a militaristic approach toward minority community members. Photos and historical decor within the station reportedly reflect and reinforce this exclusionary culture.
On September 18, of 2020, the Sentinel reported on Fontana Police Chief Billy Green asserting he is not swayed by external pressures in managing the department amid critiques of bias and diversity issues (https://sbcsentinel.com/2020/09/fpd-chief-green-isnt-inveigled/). He defended the department’s efforts to maintain community relations, arguing that a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct is in place and that hiring practices aim for diversity. Green emphasizes his commitment to transparency and accountability, despite allegations of racial discrimination and past incidents within the department.
On October 22, 2021, the Sentinel reported on consultants on the FPD in 2021 recommended increasing ethnic and racial diversity among its ranks to better reflect the city’s demographics (https://sbcsentinel.com/2021/10/consultants-assessment-calls-for-greater-ethnic-racial-diversity-within-the-fontana-police-department/). The assessment highlighted a significant gap between the department’s racial makeup and the community’s, suggesting that improved diversity could enhance public trust and effectiveness. Recommendations included adjusting recruitment, hiring, and retention practices to attract a broader range of applicants from various backgrounds. Since 2021 The FPD whistleblowers have been fighting their case and the Sentinel’s reporting on the FPD continues with this new documentary released.