Table of contents:
Kern County District Attorney’s Office Overview
Established in 1873, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Kern County, California. Its mission is to “protect the public, uphold the law, and seek justice.”
The office’s core values include integrity, professionalism, accountability, and compassion. The current District Attorney, Cynthia Zimmer, was elected in 2018 and is serving her second term.
Mission Statement
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office is committed to:
- Protecting the public by enforcing the law and prosecuting criminals.
- Upholding the law by ensuring that justice is served fairly and impartially.
- Seeking justice for victims of crime by advocating for their rights and ensuring that they are treated with respect and dignity.
Core Values
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office is guided by the following core values:
- Integrity: We are honest, ethical, and trustworthy.
- Professionalism: We are competent, efficient, and courteous.
- Accountability: We are responsible for our actions and decisions.
- Compassion: We are understanding and empathetic to the needs of victims and their families.
Current District Attorney
Cynthia Zimmer is the current District Attorney of Kern County. She was elected in 2018 and is serving her second term. Zimmer is a lifelong resident of Kern County and has served as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office for over 20 years.
Responsibilities and Jurisdiction
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for upholding justice and protecting the rights of Kern County residents. Its primary duties include:
- Prosecuting criminal cases
- Investigating crimes
- Providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies
- Representing the county in civil matters
- Enforcing consumer protection laws
- Protecting the rights of victims and witnesses
Geographical Jurisdiction
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has jurisdiction over all of Kern County, California. This includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest, Taft, and Tehachapi, as well as the unincorporated areas of the county.
Types of Cases
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office handles a wide variety of cases, including:
- Violent crimes (e.g., murder, assault, robbery)
- Property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft, arson)
- Drug crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Environmental crimes
- Juvenile crimes
Organizational Structure and Staffing
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office is organized into several divisions and units, each with specific responsibilities. The office employs a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and support staff to fulfill its mission of seeking justice and protecting the community.
Divisions and Units
The District Attorney’s Office is divided into the following key divisions:
- Criminal Division: Handles the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor crimes.
- Juvenile Division: Focuses on cases involving juvenile offenders, including delinquency and dependency matters.
- Civil Division: Represents the county in civil lawsuits and provides legal advice to county departments.
- Special Operations Division: Investigates and prosecutes complex and high-profile cases, including homicides, gang crimes, and narcotics offenses.
- Victim Services Division: Provides support and assistance to victims of crime, including crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy.
In addition to these divisions, the office also includes units such as the Investigation Unit, which conducts criminal investigations, and the Administrative Unit, which provides support services for the office’s operations.
Notable Cases and Prosecutions
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has handled numerous high-profile and impactful cases, leaving a significant mark on the community and the legal landscape.
Landmark Prosecutions
- The Bakersfield Serial Killer Case: In 2012, the office prosecuted Joseph James DeAngelo, also known as the Golden State Killer, for a series of murders, rapes, and burglaries committed across California in the 1970s and 1980s. DeAngelo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole, bringing closure to decades of unsolved crimes.
- The Rancho Tehama Reserve School Shooting: In 2017, the office prosecuted Kevin Neal for a mass shooting at the Rancho Tehama Reserve School, resulting in the deaths of five people. Neal was convicted of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder and sentenced to death.
- The Robert Durst Case: In 2021, the office successfully prosecuted real estate heir Robert Durst for the murder of his friend Susan Berman. Durst had been a suspect in several other murders, including the disappearance of his wife, Kathie McCormack. His conviction was a major victory for the office and brought justice to the victims’ families.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office faces various challenges and possesses opportunities for growth and improvement. Understanding these aspects helps the office navigate the complexities of the justice system and enhance its effectiveness.
One significant challenge lies in the increasing complexity and volume of cases. The office must allocate resources efficiently to ensure that all cases receive the attention and resources they deserve. Another challenge is the need to stay abreast of evolving laws and legal precedents. Prosecutors must continually update their knowledge to ensure they are presenting the strongest possible cases.
Opportunities for Growth and Improvement
Despite these challenges, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the opportunities for growth and improvement. One opportunity lies in leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The office can explore implementing case management systems and other tools to streamline processes and improve communication.
Another opportunity lies in fostering collaboration and partnerships with other agencies. By working closely with law enforcement, victim advocates, and community organizations, the office can enhance its ability to prevent crime, support victims, and hold offenders accountable.
Potential Areas for Collaboration and Innovation
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the potential for collaboration and innovation to drive progress. One area for collaboration is with community organizations that provide support services to victims of crime. By partnering with these organizations, the office can provide more comprehensive assistance to victims and their families.
Another area for innovation lies in the use of data and analytics. By analyzing data on crime patterns and trends, the office can identify areas where resources can be most effectively allocated. This data-driven approach can help the office make informed decisions and improve outcomes.
