Crime Reports

The Crime Reports Unit is responsible for housing reports generated by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office in the Bakersfield metropolitan area as well as the 14 substations and satellite offices.

Crime reports are released in accordance with California Government Code Section 7923.605, also known as the California Public Records Act.

The California Public Records Act dictates law enforcement make available to the victim (or their authorized representative) copies of criminal reports for certain types of crimes; redacting any information the law declares they are not entitled to receive.

If you are not entitled to a copy of a crime report you may request a “Call for Service” or review the daily “Event Summary.” Please use the following link to review the daily event summary: Reports & Stats | KCSO

Crime Reports is prohibited by law from releasing reports related to suicides or death; mental health holds/commitments; sexual assaults; and elder abuse. The release of such reports requires a court order.

Crime Reports is also prohibited by law from releasing reports involving juveniles. All requesters must petition the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court directly for the release of juvenile records. The Juvenile Court has the exclusive authority to determine whom, and the extent to which juvenile record information may be released.

Vehicle Release

Vehicles seized by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office in the Bakersfield metropolitan area will only be released to the registered owner upon proof of current registration and valid insurance. The registered owner must also have a valid driver’s license or be accompanied by a valid licensed driver. If the registered owner does not have a valid driver’s license, they must present another form of photo identification issued by the State of California or any other state, federal, or governmental agency.

Vehicles being held under California Vehicle Code 14602.6 will be held for 30 days. During the first ten business days, the registered owner may attend an impound hearing, held Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., to possibly obtain an early release of the vehicle. A $100.00 fee will be charged to the registered owner upon the release of an impounded vehicle.

Recovered stolen vehicles and vehicles towed by the department that are not under a 30 Day Impound, do not incur a charge to obtain the vehicle release claim check; however, there will be a fee charged by the company who towed the vehicle. Vehicle claim checks for these vehicles may be obtained from the Sheriff’s Office by the registered owner Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Crime Reports also issues receipts for repossessed vehicles. These receipts are $15.00.