Bakersfield Arrest Records

Bakersfield arrest records come from the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Unlike some California cities, Bakersfield does not operate its own police department. The sheriff provides law enforcement for the entire city. This means all Bakersfield arrests go through the county system. You search for arrest records the same way as anywhere else in Kern County. The sheriff runs the jail, keeps booking logs, and handles records requests. Over 400,000 people live in Bakersfield, making it one of California's largest cities with no city police.

Kern County Sheriff Inmate Search

The Kern County Sheriff runs the inmate information system for all of Kern County including Bakersfield. This online tool shows current jail inmates. Type in a name to search. The system returns matches for people in custody right now.

Booking information takes time to appear. An arrest may not show up for several hours. The jail needs to process the person first. If you do not find someone, try again later. You can also call (661) 391-7500 for help locating an inmate. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody when the website does not show results yet.

The sheriff also charges $5 for booking photos. This is a separate request from arrest records. Photos show what someone looked like at the time of arrest. Contact the records division for booking photo requests.

Why Bakersfield Uses the Sheriff

Most big California cities have their own police. Bakersfield is different. The city contracts with the Kern County Sheriff for law enforcement. Deputies patrol the streets. They respond to calls. They make arrests. But they work for the county, not the city.

This setup means one agency handles everything. There is no confusion about which department has records. All Bakersfield arrest records go to the same place. The sheriff maintains them all. For people searching records, this is actually simpler. One database covers the whole county.

Kern County is huge. It covers over 8,100 square miles. The sheriff serves unincorporated areas, small towns, and Bakersfield itself. The inmate search and booking logs include everyone arrested anywhere in the county.

Requesting Bakersfield Arrest Records

Formal records requests go to the Kern County Sheriff. California's Public Records Act governs what they can release. You submit a written request. The sheriff reviews it. They determine what records can be provided under Government Code 6250.

Not all records are public. Investigation files are exempt in most cases. Witness information stays confidential. Juvenile records cannot be released. The sheriff follows strict rules about what gets disclosed. Basic booking data is usually available. Detailed reports need specific justification.

Victims have more access. If a crime was committed against you, ask about victim access rights. Defendants can get records through their attorneys during the court process. Each situation is different. Call the records division to ask about your specific request.

Note: The sheriff may take up to 10 days to respond to a public records request under California law.

Kern County Court Case Search

After an arrest, cases go to Kern County Superior Court. The court has an online case portal for searching criminal records. You can look up cases by defendant name or case number. The portal shows filing dates, charges, hearings, and outcomes.

Court records tell you what happened after arrest. Were charges filed? Did the case go to trial? What was the sentence? Arrest records only show the initial booking. Court records complete the picture. Someone might have multiple arrests but few convictions, or vice versa.

The court serves all of Kern County. Bakersfield cases make up a large portion. Courthouses are located in Bakersfield itself. The main courthouse handles felony cases. Other facilities handle misdemeanors and traffic matters.

California DOJ Records for Bakersfield

The state DOJ keeps criminal history records from across California. Arrests in Bakersfield get reported to the state database. If you need your own record, the DOJ offers a record review process. This shows all arrests in California, not just Bakersfield.

You must submit fingerprints at a Live Scan site. Bakersfield has several options. Many sheriff stations offer Live Scan. Private companies run sites too. Find locations at the DOJ Live Scan directory. Bring photo ID and expect to pay around $50 total for state fees plus the site's rolling fee.

Results take a few weeks if your record is clean. The DOJ sends a paper copy to your address. Check status online at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov. You need the ATI number from your Live Scan receipt to look it up.

Clearing Bakersfield Arrest Records

Some arrest records can be sealed or expunged. California law provides options. If an arrest did not result in conviction, Penal Code 851.91 may let you seal it. You file a petition with Kern County Superior Court. A judge reviews and decides.

Expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 applies after probation ends. The court dismisses the conviction for employment purposes. The record stays but shows the dismissal. This can help with job applications.

Automatic record relief helps some people without any filing. The DOJ reviews records monthly. Qualifying arrests and old convictions get a notation added. This happens automatically under recent California laws. Check the DOJ automatic relief page to learn if you might qualify.

Victim Services in Bakersfield

Crime victims can track offenders through VINE California. This free service sends alerts when inmates are released, transferred, or escape. Register online or call 1-877-411-5588. You get notifications by phone, email, or text.

The Kern County District Attorney also has a victim assistance unit. They help with court notification, restitution, and other services. Contact them if you were a victim of a crime in Bakersfield. They can explain your rights and what information is available to you.

Nearby Central Valley Cities

Other Central Valley cities have their own arrest record resources. Some have city police departments. Others use county sheriffs like Bakersfield does.

Kern County Arrest Records

For complete information on Kern County Sheriff resources, court access, and jail contact details, see our main county page.