1800 30th Street
Bakersfield, California 93301
We are effectively keeping rural crime down by enhancing community vigilance, increasing patrols, and implementing advanced surveillance technologies in rural areas.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit is committed to work in partnership with the Agriculture, Oil and Livestock industries in Kern County. Together, we can reduce losses caused by criminal activity that create a negative impact on the industries efforts to enhance the quality of life in Kern County.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit currently consists of one sergeant, two senior deputies, three deputies, one clerk and a dedicated deputy district attorney. The Rural Crime Investigation Unit (RCIU) is a collaborative program designed to have experienced investigators work directly with stake-holders in the agricultural, livestock and oil production industries.
Before RCIU existed, any agricultural, livestock or oilfield related crimes were generally reported to an outlying substation. In such instances, it was inherently difficult to develop the necessary investigative expertise to manage the case with any measure of success. Industry-wide security deficiencies also contributed to the financial exposure of rural business. Those security deficiencies naturally resulted in additional investigative challenges.
As rural crime continued to increase, law enforcement recognized the need to develop new strategies to address the unique crimes associated with the rural business community. Past law enforcement practices and investigative techniques were no longer keeping pace with the criminal advancements in rural crimes. Law enforcement quickly discovered criminals involved in rural crimes were not bound by city or county jurisdictions. Experienced investigators recognized crimes being committed in one county were often times perpetrated by criminals who resided in adjoining jurisdictions.
In an effort to address the growing law enforcement challenges of rural crime, the Central Valley Rural Crime Prevention Task Force was created. This task force is comprised of highly trained rural crime investigators from the: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern Counties. The task force is dedicated to the development of new and more effective techniques for addressing agricultural, ranching and oil field crimes.
The Kern County Farm Bureau stands as a pillar of support for local agriculture and our community. Through collaboration and steadfast advocacy, we stand alongside farmers and ranchers, ensuring they have the support needed to keep agriculture thriving.
Our mission is to preserve agriculture as a cornerstone of our community, safeguarding its future and educating the next generation on the vital role it plays in all our lives.
