Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Board refers jail-capacity, 'frequent flyers' discussion to public-safety committee after public plea and sheriff report
Summary
Following public comment calling for more jail beds and accountability, Kern County supervisors heard details from Sheriff Hamblett about jail population pressures, state transfer delays and a mental health unit. Supervisors voted unanimously to refer the matter to the county's public-safety committee for regular intergovernmental discussion.
Members of the public and county law-enforcement officials used the Kern County Board of Supervisors' Sept. 9 meeting to press the board on jail capacity and recurring arrests of the same individuals. The board unanimously approved a referral to its public-safety committee to create a forum for periodic discussion among city managers, police chiefs and county officials.
Bob Smith, who identified himself as having served 13 years on the city council, told the board that local law enforcement is arresting repeat offenders who are released quickly. “We have become a catch and release law enforcement county,” Smith said. He urged the board to find available jail beds in other counties or facilities so local deputies can hold…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
