The City of Bakersfield announced Friday it is forming a new task force to address the shortage of local jail beds, a problem that has led to many criminal suspects being released shortly after arrest.
City Councilmember Bob Smith and City Manager Christian Clegg held a press conference outside City Hall South to outline the city’s efforts. They said the task force will focus on finding solutions to create more available jail space.
Officials said the city now has 120 more patrol officers than in 2019, thanks to the voter-approved Public Safety & Vital Services Measure, also known as Measure N. With more officers on the streets, the city is arresting hundreds of chronic low-level offenders each month…