Kern Valley

Kern Valley Substation History

The Kern Valley Substation covers approximately 804 square miles and serves a full-time population of about 22,000 residents. During summer and holiday weekends, the area's population can increase by an additional 50,000 visitors, drawn by the region’s natural beauty and recreational attractions.

The substation's jurisdiction includes the Kern River Valley, with Lake Isabella as the main attraction, Greenhorn and Piute Mountains, Havilah, which was the original county seat, parts of the Breckenridge Mountains, the Upper Kern Canyon, and the South Fork Area of the Kern River. The area is diverse in that some of the oldest cattle ranches in Kern County are located here, along with the surrounding forests and the large tourist industry.

In March 1990, the substation was relocated to a new, modern county complex on Lake Isabella Boulevard. This facility significantly improved working conditions, providing individual workspaces for staff and an office for the Area Lieutenant, who uses the Kern Valley Substation for his headquarters for the Northeast Area. The building also houses leased office space for the California Highway Patrol, allowing for close collaboration between agencies.

Deputies assigned to the Kern Valley Substation respond to a wide variety of incidents—from missing persons and cattle thefts to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and snowstorms. The broad scope of responsibilities requires deputies to be highly adaptable and well-versed in rural and wilderness response.

Given the area’s remote location — 50 miles east of Bakersfield and 60 miles west of Ridgecrest — outside assistance can take time to arrive. As a result, there is a strong working relationship between the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. Personnel from these agencies frequently rely on one another, fostering a dependable and cooperative environment during routine operations and emergency responses.

Kern Valley is widely regarded as one of the most scenic regions in Kern County, offering four distinct seasons, rich local history, and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. It’s a unique and rewarding place to live and serve.

The substation is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For after-hours assistance, the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center can be reached 24/7 at 1-661-861-3110 (or 1-800-861-3110 outside Kern County).

Civilian Services Unit

Down below are a couple of forms you can read, print up, fill out, and bring to the Kern Valley Sheriff's Substation if you are interested or you can call (760)549-2038 and leave a message. Someone will give you a return call as soon as they can.

CSU Brochure
Theft Blank Form A
Theft Form A - Sample
Identity Theft Kit and Report sheet
Identity Theft Kit brochure
Identity Theft Kit Steps 1-2-3
PATROL REQUEST 4 weeks max
RUOK Pamphlet front and back
Trespass Arrest Authorization Form

Helpful Web Sites

Kern County Courts
Want to know Court information? Try here.
Megan's Law
The site to check for registered sex offenders.
Road Conditions
Bureau of Land Management