Filed Date: Aug. 23, 2021
Case Ongoing
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In December 2016, the California Department of Justice ("DOJ") initiated a civil investigation to determine whether the Bakersfield Police Department (“BPD”) had engaged in a pattern or practice of violating state or federal law. The DOJ concluded that BPD did not uniformly and adequately enforce the law by:
Engaging in unreasonable force and stops, searches, arrests, and seizures;
Failing to exercise appropriate management and supervision;
Using unreasonable deadly force against individuals with mental health disability and experiencing a mental health crisis;
Failing to provide meaningful access to services to individuals with limited English proficiency;
Failing to provide equal employment opportunities;
Failing to adequately maintain a meaningful program to address civilian complaints;
And lacking a comprehensive community policing program.
On August 23, 2021, the California Department of Justice ("DOJ") entered a stipulation judgment with the City of Bakersfield and BPD in a California state court. The settlement was designed to improve BPD's policies and practices, such as requiring body-worn cameras, volunteering to collect data early under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act, implementing a community collaboration initiative, and more. The agreement also established a monitoring program. It was set to last five years, although the parties could jointly petition to terminate the judgment after three years.
The monitor submitted the first annual report on December 30, 2022, covering the period of January 1 to October 31, 2022. The monitor reported that BPD had not achieved the objectives of the work plan (which the monitor designed), but had made a good-faith effort. The first year had focused on use of force practices.
The second annual report was submitted on January 19, 2024 and covered January 1 to December 1, 2023. The monitor reported progress on the policies for use of force, language access, and search and seizure but inconsistent engagement with the community engagement panel, among other results.
On April 4, 2025, the third annual report was filed. The monitor reported progress by BPD in achieving reform, including working to amend policies for compliance with the judgment. However, BPD faced challenges with advancing training development and administration required for compliance. Additionally, two judgment paragraphs were awarded full and effective compliance (the appointment of a crisis intervention coordinator and an ordinance allowing for the hiring of a Chief of Police from outside the department).
As of December 2025, monitoring is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Avery Coombe (12/22/2025)
Cervantes, Gina M. (California)
Clark, Thomas S. (California)
Etienne, Linda S. (California)
Last updated April 22, 2025, 10:22 p.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: Aug. 23, 2021
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Plaintiff is the California Attorney General suing on behalf of the people of California to remedy the Bakersfield Police Department's pattern or practice of illegal conduct.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
City of Bakersfield (Bakersfield, Kern), City
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Constitutional Clause(s):
Unreasonable search and seizure
Other Dockets:
California state trial court BCV-21-101928
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed
Relief Granted:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Content of Injunction:
Develop anti-discrimination policy
Follow recruitment, hiring, or promotion protocols
Implement complaint/dispute resolution process
Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention
Provide antidiscrimination training
Utilize objective hiring/promotion criteria
Issues
General/Misc.:
Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination Area:
Discrimination Basis:
Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)
Affected Language(s):
Policing:
Improper treatment of mentally ill suspects