15-02-2025
Bakersfield sees a decrease in gun violence for 2024
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Launched in 2022, the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy has lowered violent incidents in Bakersfield every year.
The results for 2024 were no different, with 26 homicide cases, and 44 non-fatal shootings.
'2024 was the safest year that we have seen since before the start of the pandemic, and it's also worth noting that burglaries, robberies, car break-ins, and other property crimes are down as well, but not to that same levels,' said Christian Clegg, City of Bakersfield Manager.
A challenging job for police is maintaining these trends.
'Oftentimes, when it comes to gang violence, these are generational wars, issues that have occurred and it's tough to be able to get in…be able to intervene to prevent those type of things from happening,' said Assistant Police Chief Brent Stratton.
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This strategy was funded through a grant from the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, along with the city's Public Safety & Vital Services Measure. One vital part the city and police work with to bring results is community partnerships…just like they have with Garden Pathways.
'Some of the individuals that we work with are at the highest risk of becoming victims of violence but it's not sometimes the victim that suffers, it's also the family members,' said Juan Avila, from Garden Pathways.
To continue a decreasing trend for the 2025 results, the city said it focuses on data and individuals at a very high risk of being involved in gun violence.
The city focuses on engaging directly with them, offering a way out and warning them of the consequences with law enforcement.
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