BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Last week the Bakersfield Police Department led an operation aimed at addressing quality of life complaints in the downtown area.
In partnership with the department’s Impact Unit, the BPD operation focused on people camping illegally or trespassing on property in downtown Bakersfield.
The Impact Foot Beat team focused on multiple areas across the community, including areas near the Garces Circle, the 1700 block of Golden State Avenue and around the underpass near the railroad on the 3000 block of Chester Avenue.
BPD said in total, seven people were arrested and booked into the Lerdo detention facility. The department said an additional seven people were issued citations for charges relating to possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession with two prior convictions, possession of a concealed dirk/dagger, refusing to leave private property and felony and misdemeanor warrants.
BPD said about 5.5 grams of methamphetamine was seized.
Photo courtesy of the Bakersfield Police Department
The Bakersfield Police Department said residents can report homelessness-related concerns by contacting BPD’s Community Vitality Unit at communityvitality@bakersfieldcity.us or at 661-326-3737.
The Community Vitality Unit can also assist with non-emergency concerns, including encampments, trespassing on private property, trash, debris and hazardous waste related to homelessness and outreach for unhoused individuals.
BPD said operations in the city are made possible through the Bakersfield Public Safety & Vital Services Measure, which is also known as Measure N.
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