20-02-2025
BPD: Riverbed operation clears 24 encampments
City teams cleared homeless encampments from the Kern River on Wednesday in an operation covering several miles of the riverbed between Calloway Drive and the 24th Street overpass.
According to a news release from the Bakersfield Police Department, the operation cleared 24 encampments, arrested 23 people, cited three people and took 19 dogs into temporary custody.
"The Bakersfield Police Department recognizes the impact these quality-of-life issues have on our community and are committed to collaborative efforts to solve them," BPD said. "Operations like this are made possible by the Bakersfield Public Safety and Vital Services (PSVS) Measure, also known as Measure N."
The operation was done with BPD's Impact Team; Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team and Mounted Unit in collaboration with the Bakersfield Fire Department Arson Division; Bakersfield Park Rangers; Bakersfield Code Enforcement, Bakersfield Animal Control and the Rapid Response Team.
In addition to the arrests and citations, BPD said 22 people were offered services, with 12 declining assistance; seven people were provided guidance on how to access available assistance after being released from custody; and three people were placed into the Brundage Lane Navigation Center.
Encampments can be reported to the city of Bakersfield through its free Bakersfield Mobile App — available on both Apple and Android devices — or via the online Service Request portal.
