10 reasons why job seekers should apply at Bakersfield PD

The Bakersfield Police Department currently has a number of openings for police officers to join a force with a big city personality and a small-town disposition. The Department is seeking entry-level trainees, academy graduates, and experienced lateral officers to join its ranks. Employees of the Bakersfield Police Department can expect a wide variety of career opportunities, while also enjoying an unparalleled quality of life.

We had a chance to sit down with David Lyman, manager of Visit Bakersfield, who loves telling tourists and prospective new residents why Bakersfield is the Golden State’s hidden gem. He shared some of his favorite reasons to the question: Why Bakersfield?

1. Bakersfield is the ninth largest City in California between Oakland at number eight and Anaheim at number ten. It is larger than Pittsburgh or Honolulu, but still retains an old-fashioned small town feel. The city spans nearly 150 square miles, and is a mix of urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods.
2. Bakersfield has an award-winning casual dining scene that showcases the regions diversity. Several of Bakersfield’s restaurants have received national attention after being showcased on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives. Bakersfield’s French-Basque influence is apparent at longstanding mainstays like Woolgrower’s and Pyrenee’s, and Bakersfield’s own Nuestro Mexico features The Best Tacos in California, according to Thriliist.

3. The cost of living in Bakersfield is significantly less than anywhere else in the Golden State. New transplants from Los Angeles or the Bay Area are often surprised at how affordable the area can be. Some officers have even reported being able to buy a new home and a few off road toys to go along with them.

4. The commute to work isn’t that bad. As Bakersfield has grown, so has its infrastructure. There
are not many places in town that can’t be reached in 15 minutes or less thanks to a dedicated
network of crosstown freeways and wide open roadways. Police facilities are strategically located
throughout the City and can be reached quickly and efficiently.

5. There’s plenty of housing for families of all sizes. There are newly built townhomes and lofts in the downtown arts district, huge master planned communities by lakes and golf courses in the suburban areas, and charming Victorian era homes in vintage neighborhoods just minutes away from Police Headquarters. There is truly an architectural style and community to match anyone’s expectations.

6. Bakersfield is known for its parks and recreation. Locals enjoy spending their weekends taking bike rides on the City’s 30 miles of paved trails that stretch from the rural farm lands to the west, straight into the heart of downtown, and beyond. The City takes pride in its 61 lush parks, four crystal clear public pools, large public amphitheater, and much more. The Bakersfield Police Department patrols the parks, bike path, and riverbed on bicycles and ATV’s to ensure they are safe for everyone.

7. It’s right in the middle of everything! Bakersfield may not be known for its beaches and cool weather, but everyone knows that when the weekend calls, Pismo or Ventura are just a short drive away. Or if the mountain life is more your speed, Frazier Park, Kernville, and Tehachapi are within easy driving distance as well.

8. Bakersfield residents take full advantage of the regions year-round sunny weather. Officers enjoy spending their time off hiking at Wind Wolves Nature Preserve, watching the high-speed action at Kern County Raceway Park or Famoso dragstrip, or even white-water rafting on the mighty Kern River. Others find that Buena Vista Lake and Lake Ming are great for boating, jet skiing, fishing and camping with their families.

9. Bakersfield is rooted in agriculture. As the largest exporter of almonds in the world, and the headquarters for Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield is known for hard work and its citizens respect those who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, including their first responders.

10. Bakersfield has a rich history. From its humble beginnings as one of the last outposts of the Wild West to the oil boom and the invention of the Bakersfield Sound which makes Bakersfield the “Nashville of the West,” this city is founded on tradition.

With these things in mind, it’s no wonder why anyone wishing to start a new career in law enforcement, or why a veteran officer might want to make a new beginning, should consider applying for the Bakersfield Police Department.

Start your journey today! Learn more about career opportunities at BakersfieldPD.us
*** Bakersfield Police Department is working in partnership with Cornerstone Communications, the agency which publishes Behind the Badge.