BPOA - Bakersfield Police Officers Association

Our Officers and the Public are At Risk

Whether we like it or not, Bakersfield is gaining traits like America’s largest cities. And it is not all good. According to the FBI, Bakersfield has more murders, and assaults per 100,000 people than New York and more burglaries, thefts and motor vehicle thefts than New York and Los Angeles combined.

And it’s getting worse. The Bakersfield Police Department recently issued a press release revealing homicides are up 50% over last year, and robberies have increased with almost half being street robberies of individuals. Now the Department is asking people not to walk alone on the street and to avoid public parks, vacant lots and areas with excessive trees and bushes at night.

What's happening to our city?
Are we safe to go outside?

The 350 members of the Bakersfield Police Officers Association believe City Hall is putting its officers and the public at risk by not dedicating the sufficient number of officers and resources to maintain law & order.

For example, there are only 33 patrol officers working during the weekday afternoons—when our children are walking home from school and vulnerable to predators. Even worse, on the weekends, when crime activity is at its peak and drunk drivers are on the road, there as few as 24 officers on-duty.

Another issue is the fact that the City has our Department understaffed, plus a recent salary comparison of law enforcement agencies places Bakersfield below such cities as Fresno, Stockton, Modesto and even the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.

As a matter of public safety, things need to change. But we need your help. Call or email your city council member and let them know you believe our Bakersfield Police Officers need the appropriate amount of resources and support necessary to take back control of our streets.

After all, life in Bakersfield shouldn’t be like this.