Max Hernandez, president of the Bakersfield Police Officers Association, told the City Council on Nov. 5 that the department’s labor contract has expired and that officers are beginning to leave for higher pay and better benefits in nearby agencies.

"It’s unbelievable to me and, frankly, unacceptable that this city will allow its contract with police officers to expire," Hernandez said, adding that officers are "ready to leave for better pay and better working conditions." He said departures are increasing and warned the city’s workforce could thin to the point that response times and public safety could suffer.

Rob Tayo, vice president of the association, told the council that the department no longer has the advantage of recruiting from nearby agencies and that "talented officers are jumping ship to nearby agencies offering much higher pay and better benefits." Sgt. Josh Duttinger of the traffic division described similar retention problems and urged competitive wages, paid medical benefits and retirement offsets as effective incentives.

The public comments drew council members’ attention but the council did not take an immediate action or vote on police wages or a new contract during the meeting. Speakers emphasized recruitment and retention measures frequently used by other agencies, including fully paid medical benefits, higher base pay and retirement contribution offsets.

Several speakers also described the day‑to‑day risks officers face and said leaving the profession is often a family decision tied to pay and benefits. "Officers aren’t leaving because they’re tired of the job — they’re leaving because they can provide better for their families by working elsewhere," Duttinger said.

No Council motion or staff report addressing a specific contract term was taken on the record at the Nov. 5 meeting. Councilors and staff may consider the comments during budget and labor negotiations in coming weeks.

The council received multiple public comments on the contract issue; the record of the meeting shows the concern was raised repeatedly but contains no formal motion on police compensation.