BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In 2017 the ACLU of Southern California reported that the Bakersfield Police Department had the highest rate of police homicides per capita out of the 60 largest police departments in the country. On Thursday, in an effort to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community, BPD collaborated with other local groups to host a forum discussing deadly force at Christian Compassion Church.

BPD explained the laws behind the use of excessive force, gave examples of when force by officers might not have been warranted, but also demonstrated how quickly police officers have to make decisions for their own safety and the safety of others.

Participants said the event is a step in the right direction toward a more positive relationship between law enforcement and the public.