Bakersfield police, CHP’s high-visibility operation shows promise

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The joint partnership between the Bakersfield Police Department and California Highway Patrol to crack down on crime in Bakersfield seems to have landed a victory.

After the agencies’ one-day, joint operation, CHP Officer Tomas Martinez says it led to positive results.

“We’re able to put more officers out there, be more visibly present, and be a deterrent for a lot of people,” said Martinez.

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According to Martinez, to date, the agencies have issued a total of 227 citations, 211 arrests, two felony arrests, recovered 127 stolen vehicles, and 277 vehicles were stored or impounded.

Martinez said the one factor was CHP helping BPD out in high crime areas, like around the Highway 99 and 58 interchange, and east Bakersfield.

“A lot of the times most of the calls are for service for the east side of Bakersfield, but it does vary,” said Martinez.

Governor Newsom said the investment in Bakersfield was due to the county’s high rates in violent and property crimes compared statewide. Not all agree.

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“Bakersfield has seen decreases in violent crime rates, we’ve seen a 30% decrease from 21-22 in homicides, 31% decrease from that 22-23 again,” said Bakersfield Police Asst. Chief Brent Stratton. “Having additional resources will help continue to move it in that positive trend.”

As for what’s next for the partnership, both say taking down crime, together.

“High visibility drives down crime and when you have focused attention on certain areas, that crime is going to decrease,” Stratton said.

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