BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has named Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Robert Pair as its next Chief of the Bureau of Investigations, placing him in charge of a unit that handles cases including homicide.
The appointment was announced on Monday, August 17. As chief, Pair will oversee the DA’s Bureau of Investigations, which has a combined staff of 50, including 32 peace officers.
Pair will succeed Chief Randall Meyer, who is set to retire Oct. 3, 2026. Meyer served in various roles for nearly 25 years in Kern County.
“Sergeant Pair is an outstanding law enforcement official with whom I have worked for many years on complex, high-profile cases,” District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said. “It is my pleasure to appoint Sergeant Pair to this role, and I have full confidence that he will continue to provide invaluable leadership and expertise in this new position that is vital to the successful prosecution of criminal cases.”
Pair currently serves as the sergeant of the Robbery and Homicide Unit at the Bakersfield Police Department. He previously held leadership roles in the Special Enforcement/Gang Unit and served as a public information officer. Pair also has served as a federally deputized task force officer with both the FBI and the DEA.
“I’m honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the Chief of the Bureau of Investigations. I look forward to serving the Kern County community with integrity and professionalism and continuing the exceptional work of the District Attorney’s Office investigators and staff,” Pair said.
Pair is expected to begin his role as chief of the Bureau of Investigations on Oct. 5, 2026.