Ask the Chief...
Question:
Is there anything that can be done about rude drivers?
Chief's answer.
Rude or aggressive driving leads to thousands of accidents and injuries and even fatalities every year in California. These types of drivers are most often seen during commute hours or in areas of town where there is congestion. They drive with little concern for other motorists and often take out their frustration by driving dangerously.
The Bakersfield Police Department encourages everyone to report aggressive driving. When you call please be prepared to provide your location, description of the vehicle and driver, and of course, a license plate number would be very helpful in the event the vehicle leaves the area before police arrive. We will dispatch an officer to the area as quickly as possible.
If you see a chronic problem in an area that you feel could be eliminated with more enforcement, please contact the Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Office at 326-3882. We also have an online traffic complaint form. To fill out the form online, click on http://www.bakersfieldcity.us/police/traffic/onlineform/complaintform.asp
Question:
How do I obtain a copy of my police report?
Chief's answer.
Reports may be purchased in person at the downtown police department, 1601 Truxtun Avenue, or the Westside substation, 1301 Buena Vista Road, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Reports may be obtained by mail by sending a written request to the Bakersfield Police Department. The request must include the case number, date of incident, name(s) of party(s) involved, and a telephone number for the requestor.
The cost of a crime report is .25 cents per page. There is a flat fee of $6.00 for accident reports. Further information can be obtained by calling the 24 hours report request line at 661-326-3854.
Question:
My car was impounded, what do I do?
Chief's answer.
If your vehicle was impounded as a result of being abandoned, a traffic hazard, or the driver was arrested; the registered owner can bring proper identification to the police department and obtain a release. This must be done Monday – Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
If the vehicle was impounded due to expired registration, all Department of Motor Vehicles fees must be paid in full prior to release. Please bring all DMV paperwork and proper identification when you come for the release.
If the vehicle was impounded because it was used in a crime or is evidence you will be referred to the detective or officer handling the case.
If the vehicle was impounded because it was being operated by a unlicensed driver or someone driving on a suspended license, it will be held for 30 days (per California Vehicle Code 14602.2). In most cases the 30 day hold will not be waived; however, if there are extenuating circumstances, an appointment can be made with a hearing officer within 10 days of the impound. To schedule a hearing please call 661-326-3882.
For more information regarding any impound please call 661-326-3904.
If you have a question for the Chief and would like to have your question answered online please email us at webcasts@bakersfieldpd.us
