BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield Police Department recently released a statement outlining their plan to adopt additional safety measures in accordance with Gov. Newsom's stay home order and Bakersfield's local emergency declaration.

While BPD will continue to provide the same level of service, they will be doing things a little differently temporarily.

BPD will be practicing safe distancing, wearing gloves and they have also made a lot of services available online or over the phone.

"Finally, we support our government leaders and public health officials, who have made it clear the best thing we can all do to stop this pandemic in its tracks is to stay home as much as possible. As Governor Newsom made clear, the people of California do not need the police to force them to comply. You will not be arrested for leaving your home or going to your business; your rights under the Constitution remain intact. But let’s encourage each other to do the smart thing, the right thing, and keep our friends and neighbors safer by reducing contact for a while.

The full statement is found below.

2020-03-20 Message to Our Community by Ashley Valenzuela on Scribd