BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Fourteen people were arrested following an encampment sweep on Kern River on Wednesday, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
The operation took place on the river between Beach Park at 3400 21st St. and San Miguel Commemorative Grove at 35 Manor St.
The BPD Community Vitality Unit, Impact Unit and Animal Control Unit responded to the areas based on community concerns of homeless encampments and vicious dogs, officials said.
Bakersfield’s Code Enforcement, Rapid Response Team, Park Rangers and Kern County Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation Services also joined the operation.
Officials arrested 14 people, seized 15 dogs, cleaned up 29 encampments and picked up 40 tons of trash.
Flood Ministries respond to the area to connect those experiencing homelessness with local service providers, according to BPD.
Community Vitality is a city-led initiative that responds to concerns related to homelessness in Bakersfield, according to officials.
Reports can be made to Community Vitality at 661-326-3737 or communityvitality@bakersfieldcity.us. Reports can also be made through the city’s free Bakersfield Mobile App or the online Service Request portal, officials said.
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