Bakersfield Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Public Safety&Vital Services Committee — the civilian oversight body for Bakersfield. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
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We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 07/16/2024.
Bakersfield Police Department (CA)
How to file a complaint about a Bakersfield Police Department officer
The Bakersfield Police Department serves roughly 413,409 residents. If you had a problem with an officer, you have three distinct ways to file a complaint — and they are not equivalent. Here is how each one works in Bakersfield, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Public Safety&Vital Services Committee — independent civilian oversight
The Public Safety&Vital Services Committee is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Bakersfield Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. No notarization is required to file.
- How the Public Safety&Vital Services Committee complaint process works
- By phone: (661) 326-3751
- Public Safety&Vital Services Committee website
2. Bakersfield Police Department Internal Affairs — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Internal Affairs are investigated inside the department itself. Identification is required to file.
- Phone: 661-326-3131
- In person or by mail: 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
- Department page on the complaint process
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Public Safety&Vital Services Committee so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Bakersfield Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: 661-326-3000
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 07/16/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.