Bonta and Bakersfield PD
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into a stipulated judgment with the City of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), regarding BPD's policies and practices. The stipulated judgment follows a comprehensive investigation by DOJ and constructive action by BPD to improve its practices, including outfitting officers with body-worn cameras, volunteering to collect data early under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act, and implementing a community collaboration initiative. The stipulated judgment announced today resolves DOJ’s allegations regarding BPD’s policies and practices as outlined in the complaint. As part of the agreement, the City of Bakersfield and BPD will engage in a comprehensive set of actions — to be overseen by an independent monitor — to promote public safety, strengthen oversight and accountability systems, continue to increase support for officers, and protect the statutory and constitutional rights of the people of Bakersfield.