Newly released records are revealing sustained findings of sexual assault by officers in the Bakersfield Police Department. These records were made public for the first time because of a new law which requires certain peace officer records be made available for public inspection through the California Public Records Act. Specifically, the public can now request documents related to specific incidents. Those specifics include an officer firing their weapon at a person as well as an incident where use of force by an officer results in death or great bodily injury. The law requires records also be released for an incident where a sustained sexual assault by a peace officer involving a member of the public or an incident where it was determined an officer was dishonest while on duty.
