What are Bakersfield Public Records?
According to the CPRA, Bakersfield public records are classified as any information generated, maintained, or used by the county or state agencies while conducting government business. The information may be created and stored in various mediums like written, typed, video, and e-mail, or pictures. Some forms of records may be restricted and parts of a public record may be removed or redacted if they contain information restricted by law. Examples of restricted information include the following
- Private tax or financial information
- Private information that violates personal privacy
- Information concerning open law enforcement cases
- Information on pending lawsuits written by lawyers
- Information deemed confidential by the law
Bakersfield Crime Statistics
The Bakersfield Police Department keeps comprehensive records on crime statistics for the city. This information is shared with the FBI through their Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR). The department also provides yearly statistics and crime maps to determine the rates of crime and the effectiveness of police strategies. According to UCR data from 2018, in Bakersfield City property crime was the most common type of crime with 16,097 cases. Compared to 2016 there was a 4% increase in violent crime, a 3.1& decrease in murder, and a 17.2% decrease in arson cases. Property crime also recorded a decrease of 6.1% and larceny and assault decreased by 8.9% and 15.2 percent respectively.
Are Bakersfield criminal records public?
Not every type of Bakersfield criminal record is considered a public record. In some cases, records like criminal histories are restricted to certain types of employers performing background checks on prospective employees. These reports can also be requested by residents who have been detained by the police department who can obtain copies of their criminal histories by contacting the appropriate custodian.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Residents can obtain a variety of Bakersfield Public records from the Bakersfield Police Departments. Requests can be made by mail, online via the department website, and in person at the station. Record requests can be made on the search portal provided by the department while traffic reports are requested via a separate website. Accident reports cost $7 per report while other crime and incident reports are free. Reports can be requested by mail by writing to the Bakersfield Police Department. The request should include details like the date of the incident, the case number, and the names of the parties involved. The requestor should also include a current telephone number where they can be reached. Payment should be included if it is a traffic collision report. Requests can also call the records department at (661) 326-3854 to check on requests and make inquiries. Mailed requests and in-person requests should be at the:
Bakersfield Police Department
Records Department
1601 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield,
CA 93301
The California Department of Justice maintains and updates a criminal record database for the entire state.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Bakersfield
The Department of Justice maintains a registry of all sex offenders within the state of California including Bakersfield. The search engine for the registry allows users to search for offender information according to different criteria. Searchable criteria include names, aliases, and addresses including cities. It also allows searches by zip codes and proximity to the user’s address. Sex offenders in Bakersfield City are required to register with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office this information is shared with the California Department of Justice.
How to Find Bakersfield Inmate Records
Inmates from Bakersfield are held in the facility managed by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides an inmate search tool that members of the public can access on their website. This allows members of the public to search for Bakersfield inmate records using inmates’ names and numbers.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Bakersfield Jail?
Inmates at the county jail are entitled to two thirty-minute visits every week and visits are scheduled according to inmates’ surnames in alphabetical order. Visiting days at the county jail are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors must provide a government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or international passport. No other items other than the visitors’ IDs and baby care items are allowed into the prison. Visitors can find more information by contacting the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or visiting the central receiving section of the sheriff’s office website.
Court Records
Court records in Bakersfield are obtained from the Kern County Superior Court which provides access to various types of court records. These include probate-related records, criminal records, traffic records, and administrative records.
Locations of Courts in Bakersfield
The names and locations of the courts in Bakersfield are listed below:
Juvenile Justice Center
Phone: (661) 868-5393
Email: WMjjc@kern.courts.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Metro Division
Phone: (661) 868-5393
Email: WMadmin@kern.courts.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
Metro Division
1415 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Metro Justice Building
Phone: (661) 868-5393
Email: WMadmin@kern.courts.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
Metro Justice Building
1215 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Metro Traffic Division
Phone: (661) 335-7100
Mailing Address:
Metro Traffic Division
3131 Arrow St
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Jury Services
Phone: (661) 868-4700
Email: WMJury@kern.courts.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
Jury Services
1661 L St
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Are Bakersfield Court Records Public?
The public is not allowed to view every form of court records as California state law bars the public from accessing certain confidential records. Types of cases that are barred from general public view may include cases involving the following:
- Some Divorce cases
- Juvenile dependency cases
- Child custody cases
- Juvenile delinquency cases
Can you look up a Bakersfield court case online?
Some Bakersfield court records are stored in electronic format and can be accessed online via the Kern County Superior Court website. Residents can search online on a case to case basis and some records cannot be accessed remotely. These records will require the requester to come to the court in person for their retrieval. The cases that can be viewed online will require the user to fill out a request form on the court website.
How to Obtain Bakersfield Civil Court Case Records
People who wish to obtain civil records can do so in person, by written mail, or by email. In-person requests or viewings can be made at the designated viewing area or counter at the court facility. Requesters will need to provide a written request giving details such as their full name, contact address, case information, and a valid picture ID. No records can be removed from the viewing area but copies can be made for a price. Mail requests can be sent to the
Kern County Superior Court,
1415 Truxtun Avenue,
Bakersfield,
CA 93301
Mailed requests should also contain a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of any requested copies of the records. It should also contain a check payable to the Kern County Superior Court covering the cost of any copies and certifications. The court charges $0.50 per page of documents and $15 and $25 for certified copies of documents.
How to Obtain Bakersfield Criminal Court Records
To obtain Bakersfield criminal court records, requesters must contact the Kern County Superior court in Bakersfield. Requests can be made in person, online, or by mail, and start with the requester submitting a records request form. The Court website has a search tool that allows requesters to search for records on their own. A self-search is free but asking the clerk to search will have a cost. The cost is $15 for a generic search and copying costs $0.50 per page not exceeding $50. Certified copies cost $25 for certification and $0.50 per page. Mailed requests should be sent to:
Kern County Superior Court,
1415 Truxtun Avenue,
Bakersfield,
CA 93301
Mailed requests must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a check for the record’s fees. Since the cost of copying may not be available, requesters may memo the check to not exceed $50. A full itemized invoice will be included with the request.
What are Bakersfield Vital Records?
Bakersfield vital records are the records that document life events that occur in the city. These records are gathered and maintained by the corresponding government agency and include birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce licenses. California law restricts the issuing of certified vital records to only authorized persons unauthorized persons can be issued an informational copy. These copies contain the same information as the certified copies but informational copies will be marked and cannot be used for official business like establishing identity.
Where and How to Obtain Bakersfield Divorce Records
Bakersfield divorce records are maintained by the Kern County Superior Court. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Requesters will need to visit the Kern County Superior Court to obtain Bakersfield divorce records and complete a record request form. Requests can also be made by mailing the request to:
Kern County Superior Court,
Clerk's Office
1215 Truxtun Avenue,
Bakersfield,
CA 93301
Mailed requests should include a check covering the costs of processing and copies made out to the Kern County Superior Court.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Confidential Marriage records can only be obtained by one of the parties of the marriage. These are obtained from the Kern County Clerk's Office and requests can be made in person or by mail and requesters must provide the following:
- Full names of the bride and groom
- Date of the marriage
Requests in person can only be made by one of the parties to the marriage with a valid government photo ID. Mailed requests should include an Application for Certified Copy of a Confidential Marriage Certificate available on the county clerk’s website. The application form must be filled out completely and notarized by a Notary Public. The mail must also include a check or money order for the fee and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for returning the record. The fee for a Bakersfield confidential marriage record is $15 per record. Requests in person and by mail should go to :
Kern County Clerk
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Where and How to Get Public Bakersfield Marriage Records
Bakersfield public marriage certificates can be obtained from the Kern County Assessor-recorder. Requesters can make these requests in person or by mail. All requests must come with a completed marriage certificate application. Applicants will be asked to provide information on the marriage in question such as the names of the participants and date. The applicant will also require a valid government-issued ID and proof they are authorized to view the record. Unauthorized requesters may also receive a certified copy but it will be marked informative only. The price for marriage records is $15 per certified copy. Applications should be submitted to the :
KERN COUNTY RECORDER
1530 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield
CA 93301
Mailed requests should include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to the Kern county recorder. Applications and fees should be mailed to:
Hall of Records
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield,
CA 93301
Where and How to Find Bakersfield Birth Records
Bakersfield birth certificates can be obtained from the Kern County Public Health Department and from the Kern County Assessor-Recorder. The public health department has records dating from 1960, earlier records have to be obtained from the county assessor-recorder. Birth Certificates for births that occurred outside Bakersfield can be obtained from the County recorder in the county where the birth took place.
Obtaining Copies of Bakersfield Birth Certificates
Two types of birth certificates are obtainable, an authorized copy and an informational copy. Both types are certified and cost the same price but informational copies can not be used for official business. Authorized copies of the Bakersfield birth record on the other hand can only be issued to authorized persons such as
- The person on the certificate(registrant)
- Parents of the registrant
- Spouse, children, siblings, other blood-related family members
- Legal representative of registrant (lawyer)
- Law enforcement officers on official duties
To receive a Bakersfield birth Certificate in person, requesters will need to download and fill the application for birth certificates. For an authorized copy the requester will need to complete the sworn statement attached to the application and have it notarized by a notary public. The requester should apply in person with a filled and notarized application and a government-issued photo ID. The fee for the Bakersfield birth record is $25 per copy and is a non-refundable search fee. Applications in person can be made at the Kern County Department of Public Health or the Kern County Recorder’s office.
Authorized copies of the Bakersfield Birth Record can also be requested by mail. The requester should send the completed form with the notarized statement and a money order or check for the appropriate fee to the health department. The requestor should also send a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the records. Requests by mail are usually processed between 10 to 14 days. Mailed requests should be sent to:
Kern County Office of Vital Records
1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor
Bakersfield,
CA 93306-3302
Bakersfield Birth records before 1960 can only be obtained from the Kern County Recorder's Office at:
Hall of Records
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Where and How to Find Bakersfield Death Records
The Kern County Public health Department issues Bakersfield death certificates for deaths that occurred from 1993 to the present. For records before 1993 requesters will need to contact the Kern County Recorder’s office. Two forms of death certificates are available: authorized copies and informational copies. According to the California Code, authorized copies can only be given to persons with direct relations to the deceased. Examples of these people are:
- Parents or legal guardians of the person on the certificate
- Children or grandchildren of the deceased
- Spouse or partner of the deceased
- The legal representative of the deceased(attorney or executor of will)
To get an authorized copy of the Bakersfield death record in person, requesters should download and fill the death certificate application form. The requester must indicate their relation to the deceased on the form and fill out the sworn statement attached. The completed form should be brought to the health department or the county recorder’s office with the appropriate fee of $21 per copy. Requests by mail will include the filled-out form, notarized statement, and a check or money order for the appropriate fee. The request should also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the record. Mailed requests are usually fulfilled in 10 to 14 days.
