Bakersfield Arrest Log Access
Bakersfield police blotter records are handled by the Bakersfield Police Department in Kern County. The city is the ninth largest in California with more than 400,000 residents. You can request arrest records and booking logs through the department's online public records portal. The system uses JustFOIA software to process all records requests. Submit your request online and track its status from your computer or phone. Bakersfield officers make hundreds of arrests each month, and those records become public information under state law.
Bakersfield Quick Facts
Bakersfield Records Portal
The Bakersfield Police Department JustFOIA portal handles all public records requests for the city. This online system lets you ask for arrest records, police reports, and other law enforcement documents. You do not need an account to submit a basic request, but creating one helps you track the status of your request.
To request arrest records in Bakersfield, provide the name of the person arrested and the date if you know it. The more details you include, the easier it is for staff to find the right records. Case numbers help speed up the search. You should also say what format you want. Digital copies cost less than printed ones in most cases.
The police department must respond within 10 days under California public records law. Simple requests often get answered faster. Complex requests that require staff to review many files may take longer. The portal will notify you by email when your records are ready or if the department needs more information from you.
Police Records in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Police Department maintains several types of records you can request. Arrest logs show who was arrested, when, and for what charges. Booking records include mugshots and fingerprints in some cases. Crime reports document incidents reported to police. Traffic collision reports cover accidents investigated by Bakersfield officers.
Under Government Code Section 7923.600, police must release basic arrest information. This includes the full name of each person arrested, their age and physical description, the arrest location, the time and date, and the charges. Bail amounts are also public information. Some details may be kept private if releasing them would harm an open investigation.
Available records include:
- Arrest reports and bookings
- Traffic accident reports
- Crime reports for victims
- Daily activity logs
- Police calls for service
Fees vary depending on what you request and how you want to get it. Digital records sent by email usually cost less than paper copies sent by mail. The department will tell you the total cost before finishing your request. You must pay before they release the records.
Note: Arrest information does not prove guilt and charges may be dropped or changed later in court.
Kern County Custody Information
People arrested in Bakersfield go to Kern County jail facilities for booking and custody. The Kern County Sheriff operates the jail system. You can search for current inmates using the Kern County Sheriff Inmate Information database. This online system shows who is in custody at county jails across Kern County.
The database lets you search by name or booking number. Results show booking dates, charges, and bail amounts for people in custody. The system updates regularly but may not reflect the most current information during busy periods. For the latest details, call the jail directly.
Kern County operates several detention facilities. The main jail is in Bakersfield. If you cannot find someone in the online database, call the Detentions Inmate Search line at (661) 861-3110 for help. Staff can check the system and give you current information about inmates in Kern County custody.
Contact Bakersfield Police
The Bakersfield Police Department headquarters is located downtown. You can visit in person for some services or call during business hours. For public records requests, use the online portal instead of calling or visiting. That is the fastest way to get your request processed.
| Department | Bakersfield Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 1601 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| Non-Emergency | (661) 327-7111 |
| Records Portal | bakersfieldca.justfoia.com |
Downtown Bakersfield has street parking with meters. There are also parking garages nearby. Golden Empire Transit operates bus routes that serve the downtown area if you need public transportation to reach the police station.
Legal Help for Bakersfield Residents
Several organizations provide legal assistance to people in Bakersfield. The Kern County Public Defender represents people charged with crimes who cannot afford a private lawyer. Their main office is in downtown Bakersfield. Call (661) 868-4400 for information about public defender services.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. While they do not handle criminal defense cases, they can help with related civil matters. Their office is at 615 California Avenue. Call (661) 325-5943 or visit gbla.org for more information.
The Kern County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with a private attorney who practices criminal law. Call (661) 322-2400 for referrals. The first meeting with a referred lawyer may be free or at a reduced rate.
Kern County Arrest Records
Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County. The county sheriff maintains arrest and booking records for unincorporated areas and contract cities. For county jail rosters, sheriff booking logs, and arrest information from other Kern County locations, visit the Kern County police blotter page.