BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield City Council unanimously approved staff recommended mid-year appropriations which includes more money toward outfitting the entire Bakersfield Police Department with body worn cameras.

Officials allocated $737,000 off additional Public Safety & Vital Services Measure (PSVS) funding toward the BPD. The money will allow another 215 cameras to be deployed by spring 2020, which will outfit the entire department. It also covers the cost of adding two additional Police Property and Equipment Specialist positions.

Along with the money for the body worn cameras, the appropriations allocates $500,000 of additional PSVS funding for the implementation of e-permitting software for the Development Services Department. The allocation will help accelerate the permitting process by creating an easier method to submit plans, review documents and drawings and more.

There was also $3 million allocated to the PSVS Reserve fund to help mitigate against future economic downturns or unforeseen emergencies. The reserve fund offers protection against cuts to existing staffing levels and programs.

To see the full report delivered by staff at the council meeting Wednesday night, click here.

The full Administrative Report delivered by staff to the Council this evening can be viewed here.