BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — 17 homeless encampments, along with 38 tons of debris, were removed in southeast Bakersfield during a multi-agency operation. It ended with eight people arrested and three dogs seized.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, the Bakersfield Police Department’s Impact Unit, along with Bakersfield City Public Works, Code Enforcement, Rapid Response, Animal Control, and Arson Division, as well as Kern County Mental Health, conducted an encampment clean-up operation in a large vacant lot near the area of Madison Street and East Belle Terrace in southeast Bakersfield.
Bakersfield police said before the operation, Flood Ministries went to the area to provide resource options to those experiencing homelessness, but none accepted these services.
Police said in all, 38 tons of trash were removed and 17 encampments were cleared. Eight people were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Jail for illegal lodging and trespassing on private property, along with applicable active warrants. Three dogs were seized and taken to the Animal Control Shelter.
17 homeless encampments, along with 38 tons of debris, were removed in southeast Bakersfield during a multi-agency operation. It ended with eight people arrested and three dogs seized. PHOTO: BPD
The operation required five 40-yard roll-off bins and two grapple trailer loads to remove the encampments and debris from the property.
In a release, it said “BPD recognizes the impact these quality-of-life issues have on our community and is committed to collaborative efforts to solve them. Operations like this are made possible by the Bakersfield Public Safety & Vital Services (PSVS) Measure, also known as Measure N.”
To report homelessness-related concerns, citizens are encouraged to contact BPD through the Community Vitality Unit at communityvitality@bakersfieldcity.us or (661) 326-3737.
Encampments can be reported to the City of Bakersfield through its free Bakersfield Mobile App – available on both Apple and Android devices – or via the online Service Request portal.