BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Bakersfield police say officers responded to a high volume of calls in 2025 while using force less often than the year before, according to newly released annual reports detailing use-of-force incidents and personnel complaints.

The Bakersfield Police Department released its 2025 Annual Use of Force Report and Personnel Complaints Report, which outlines department activity, accountability measures, and efforts aimed at strengthening public trust and community safety.

In 2025, BPD officers responded to more than 248,000 calls for service, made more than 11,500 custodial arrests and conducted more than 30,000 proactive contacts.

Despite that activity, the department reported a 17% reduction in use-of-force incidents compared with 2024, which it said was the largest year-over-year decrease in the past five years. The department said use-of-force incidents remained relatively rare, occurring in a small percentage of overall enforcement actions.

The report also showed what the department described as a continued shift toward lower-level, control-based techniques and a reduction in intermediate force applications. Deadly force incidents remained rare and were limited to situations involving life-threatening circumstances, according to the report.

“These results show our officers are doing the job the right way,” Chief Greg Terry said. “They are handling a high volume of calls while using restraint, sound judgment, and deescalation whenever possible.”

The Personnel Complaints Report shows the department received 213 complaints in 2025. The department attributed the increase in part to expanded access to reporting, including the implementation of an online complaint system intended to improve transparency and accessibility for the community.

The department said it recognizes public safety includes both crime reduction and how safe people feel, and said it remains focused on building trust through professional service, transparency and respectful interactions.

The full reports and data breakdowns are available on the department’s website HERE.