The Governor’s office says the Highway Patrol will be expanding its role in Kern County, partnering with Bakersfield Police to target problem areas. BPD Sgt. Eric Celedon says those new officers will be deployed to areas where problems have been identified, including organized retail theft, vehicle theft, and roadway violence.

The Bakersfield Police Department was previously granted $6.2-million towards preventing these crimes, and Chief Greg Terry says they are grateful for the continued partnership with the CHP.