Bakersfield City Council unanimously passes resolution implementing citywide security measures
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council is scheduled to vote Wednesday afternoon on citywide security measures at public city buildings, meetings and events.
While the City says security enhancements have been ongoing, some are questioning the timing.
Recently, pro-Palestinian protesters have been speaking out and demonstrating at City Council meeting after City Council meeting, asking city leaders to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.
They gathered again Wednesday. At the last meeting two weeks ago, on March 27, five protesters were arrested and one of City Hall doors was smashed.
The chamber was cleared for the fourth Bakersfield City Council meeting in a row.
Amid these protests, new security measures are being implemented citywide, which is why some are raising their eyebrows at the sequence of events.
And there’s disapproval, already.
“I would like to condemn, formally and aggressively, the security checkpoints you have implemented before this city hall meeting,” said Omar, during the March 27th meeting public comment session. “Why? What are you afraid of? What has possibly occurred here that has driven you to make us humiliate ourselves?”
City Attorney Ginny Gennaro denied the new features have to do with recent protests.
The draft resolution, however, states in part, “confrontations with and among members of the public at Council meetings, city hall parking lots and other public areas is both a historical part of civic engagement and also a public safety risk, if and when confrontation and hostility leads to violence, or hampers the ability of others to participate in local government.”
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If passed, the security policy is effective immediately.
It includes physical security protocols, similar to an airport baggage check and metal detectors.
Items such as firearms, tasers, illegal drugs, glass bottles and food/beverage, among others, would be prohibited.
The City added that such measures are similar to those already at the County Administrative Building, city concert and event venues, as well as every other California top 10 city.
In a statement to 17 News, City Attorney Gennaro wrote, “Every top 10 city, except the city of Bakersfield, has implemented security measures at City buildings,” and that the “next logical and reasonable step” is establishing a Council policy to solidify those measures.
Gennaro noted physical security protocols may later be expanded to additional City buildings, and there could be entrances and exits set aside for City employees.
City employees, as well as law enforcement, are exempt.
As for fiscal impact, Gennaro stated there’s no immediate impact on the city’s General Fund.
Gennaro also said security enhancements began in March 2019, with alarm systems, security cameras and electric fencing.
At City Hall North, for instance, a third-party security guard and visitor badges were implemented.
Baggage check and metal detectors will be required Wednesday night again at City Hall South and into the foreseeable future, Gennaro said.
Update: The Bakersfield City Council voted unanimously to pass the physical security measure resolution.
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