Grand Jury reports on visit to Tehachapi PD
The Kern County Grand Jury recently released a report of the review of its Law and Justice Committee.
In it, the committee reported on its visit to the Tehachapi Police Department on Dec. 4, 2012. Members met with Police Chief Jeff Kermode and toured the facility located at 129 E. "F" Street.
Summarized, the report said:
The department services eight square miles and a population of approximately 8,000 with its 14 sworn officers, four reserve officers and a K9 unit.
In addition, the department employs an administrative assistant, a records clerk and a half-time code enforcement officer.
The Grand Jury committee found that the police department facility is approximately 4,400 square feet, with bids for a new 10,000 square foot facility, which will go out in January. The facility will be ready for occupancy by the fall of 2013.
The department also currently has 12 civilian volunteer staff and uses the Bear Valley Springs Police dispatch service at a cost of $320,000 per year.
During 2011, 15,375 service calls were received resulting in 5,849 dispatched incidents.
The Tehachapi Police Department works closely with the Stallion Springs Police, Bear Valley Springs Police, Railroad Police, Kern County Sheriff and the California Highway Patrol.
The department also sponsors an Explorer Unit. The 15 Explorers participate in competitions throughout the state and in Washington D.C.
The Grand Jury committee recommended that the Tehachapi Police Department assume dispatch services as soon as fiscally possible.
