The City of Bakersfield hosted a virtual community listening session Tuesday evening, inviting residents to share their priorities for the city’s next Chief of Police. The online forum followed an in-person session earlier in the day at City Hall South, part of a broader effort to collect public input before candidates are selected for interviews.
City Manager Christian Clegg led the meetings and described the recruitment process. Applications opened in early November and will remain open through January 5. Clegg said the selection process will include several interview panels in January and potentially February, featuring city leaders, human resources personnel, law enforcement executives from outside Bakersfield, and community representatives.
“We’re a large department in a large city,” Clegg said, noting Bakersfield is the ninth-largest city in California. “We need somebody who is going to be aware of best practices and be able to lead a complex, dynamic organization.”
Residents who spoke emphasized a range of experience and leadership characteristics they hope to see in the next chief.
Bob and Kristie Coons called for strong educational qualifications, including advanced leadership training, and extensive law enforcement experience with success in patrol, investigations, and support services. They also urged the city to select someone with a firm grasp of constitutional policing and forward-thinking policies backed by data.
“Community engagement is key,” said Kristie Coons, adding that the chief should understand Bakersfield’s diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics.
Rudy Briseno, who helps the police academy with autism training for the police recruits, asked that the next chief demonstrate awareness of disabilities and be willing to meet with community members with intellectual and developmental differences. He also stressed the need for accountability during encounters that may escalate.
Another resident, Bernita Jenkins, highlighted the importance of youth involvement and cultural representation throughout the department.
“We need to have a police chief that is willing to be a part of the total community,” she said. “Not just a figurehead.”
Other residents urged the incoming leader to focus on neighborhood safety concerns, waste reduction, and responsible budgeting, new technologies, and transparent accountability measures guided by data.
Clegg said feedback throughout the day reflected a mix of opinions about whether the chief should be selected internally or from outside the department. He said many residents expressed a desire for continuity and knowledge of local issues, while others saw value in a fresh perspective.
Regardless of the source, he said, the community has made clear they want a leader who understands Bakersfield, can strengthen public trust, and is willing to acknowledge mistakes while pushing forward on key challenges, including ongoing reforms related to the city’s Department of Justice consent decree.
Mayor Karen Goh was also present during the virtual session, thanking participants for engaging.
“We want a Bakersfield for all people,” she said. “A safe Bakersfield for all people.”
Residents who were unable to attend either session can still submit input through an online survey available on the city’s website and social media channels. Clegg said he plans to share publicly a summary of the feedback gathered.