BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council is set to discuss an update regarding the work of the Jail Bed Task Force during its Wednesday meeting, according to the agenda.
City staff will present the update at the meeting. Staff is also asking the City Council to discuss the update and provide direction on how the city should work with the county, city of Taft and other partner agencies to address jail bed capacity, according to the agenda.
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According to city officials, Bakersfield has been arresting hundreds of low-level crime suspects every month, but often has to let them go due to lacking local jail beds.
More than 80% of those releases happen in less than 24 hours, the agenda read.
In September, Ward 4 Councilmember Bob Smith asked the city to create the Jail Bed Task Force to respond to the need for jail beds.
The task force has held three meetings since Sept. 24 and had follow-up meetings with other agencies like the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, city of Taft, Kern Medical and more, according to the agenda.
City officials toured the Taft Community Correction Facility and will tour county jail facilities Wednesday morning, the agenda said.
According to the agenda, the task force created a framework to address the following categories that present challenges and opportunities in holding people accountable for their crimes:
Behavioral health and wrap-around services
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The task force is now analyzing potential solutions, researching methods in similar communities and identifying its next steps, the agenda said.
The meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 21 in the Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave.
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