Entry level sheriff’s deputies are closer to getting the same pay as new Bakersfield Police officers, after Supervisors approved an 18.5-percent pay increase. But Michael Turnipseed from the Kern County Taxpayers Association says the problem is far deeper than money. “Police academies are not getting filled anymore, Millenials do not want to be policemen, and it’s a sad statement there’s just not this interest in law enforcement.” Turnipseed pointed out that Fremont Police put a full page ad in the Fresno Bee to lure officers away. Kern Law Enforcement Association President Richard Anderson told the board he was thankful for the effort they’re making, even though over half of the deputies who qualify were already getting the raise. The Sheriff’s training academy has been attracting fewer and fewer cadets in recent years, and many grads take that training to higher paying agencies. Bakersfield Police are planning to hire 100 new officers with the Measure N tax approved last fall by voters.

Suzanne Grant