WEST SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA — A longtime Fresno police officer surrendered his state law enforcement certification just one day before a scheduled revocation hearing, according to the state agency that oversees officer credentials.
Khammouane Kevin Thakham, a 32-year veteran of the Fresno Police Department, gave up his certification prior to a hearing before the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, commonly known as POST.
Under commission rules, surrendering certification is treated the same as having it revoked.
Certification Surrendered Before Hearing
Officials told the POST commission during a meeting in West Sacramento that Thakham surrendered his certification the day before the hearing was set to begin.
Last month, the commission’s advisory board had recommended revocation of his certification. The matter would have required separate hearings before both the commission and an administrative law judge before becoming final.
The Fresno Police Department confirmed that Thakham, 55, retired Tuesday.
Admission of False 911 Calls
According to POST records, Thakham admitted to Internal Affairs investigators that he made three false 911 calls in 2023.
Investigators determined that:
- The calls were placed anonymously using blocked caller identification.
- Thakham reported disturbances at the apartment of a woman he previously dated.
- The woman had ended contact with him after approximately one year of dating.
POST records state that Thakham acknowledged making the calls in an effort to prompt the woman to contact him again.
“(Thakham) stated he did this because he believed the disruption caused by the police response would prompt Victim 1 to reach out to him for advice and perhaps resume their relationship,” the POST documents said.
Impact on Woman and Child
The woman lived at the apartment with her young son, who frequently acted as a translator for her during police interactions, according to the records.
Responding officers were dispatched multiple times to the residence following the false reports.
The woman and her son reportedly told police they were stressed by the repeated visits and at one point believed they were being harassed on Thakham’s behalf.
Internal Discipline
Following the Internal Affairs investigation, Thakham was disciplined by the department.
According to POST records, disciplinary measures included:
- A 160-hour suspension
- Demotion from corporal
- Placement under a “last chance” agreement
A last chance agreement outlines strict behavioral expectations and consequences for further misconduct.
POST investigators concluded that Thakham’s actions constituted “conduct unbecoming of a police officer,” a finding that can support certification revocation.
Officer’s Statement
In a letter submitted to the advisory board in February, Thakham acknowledged wrongdoing.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in 2023,” he wrote. “I violated department policy and state law, and I am deeply remorseful. My conduct does not reflect the standards I have upheld throughout my career.”
He also referenced personal stress related to caring for his ailing mother during that period.
Public Reaction at POST Meeting
While Thakham did not attend the Wednesday meeting in West Sacramento, critics of police accountability were present.
Tasha Williamson, a San Diego-based community activist, addressed the commission and characterized the conduct as a misuse of authority and the emergency response system.
What Happens Next?
Because surrendering certification is treated the same as revocation, Thakham is no longer authorized to serve as a peace officer in California.
The POST commission did not indicate any additional administrative actions beyond the certification surrender.
Conclusion
The surrender of Khammouane Kevin Thakham’s certification ends a 32-year career in law enforcement amid findings that he made false emergency calls involving a former romantic partner.
The case highlights the oversight role of California’s POST commission and the disciplinary process for officers found to have engaged in misconduct.
