BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Superior Court is accepting applications from qualified citizens interested in being nominated to serve on the Kern County Grand Jury.
Applications will be accepted through March 13, 2026.
Kern County Superior Court said the Grand Jury is made up of a group of 19 citizens who are interviewed and nominated by Kern County Superior Court Judges.
In a release, it said, “The objective is to obtain a volunteer pool representative of the ethnic and cultural diversity of our county. Final selection takes place in June through a random drawing held in open court. Once empaneled, Grand Jurors serve as an investigative body to ensure county and city governments operate efficiently and public funds are spent responsibly.”
The Grand Jury also hears evidence of public offenses presented by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office and, when appropriate, may issue criminal indictments.
Grand Jurors must be willing to commit approximately 20 hours a week to these responsibilities.
Candidates for the Grand Jury must be United States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a working knowledge of the English language and have resided in Kern County for at least one year.
Grand Jurors serve a one-year term beginning July 2026.
For more information, contact the Kern County Grand Jury, at1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or call (661) 868-4797.
Applications are available online here.