As if California doesn't have enough problems already, The Bakersfield Californian reported yesterday on at least thirteen different police officers in Kern County throughout an 18 month period who participated in illegal activity while wearing a badge.
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood, someone that I have been privileged to meet on a number of occasions, is in complete dismay over the actions of these police officers, telling the Bakersfield Californian "If you have to train someone not to have sex with an inmate and if you have to train someone not to pull people over and steal their money, we're really in trouble."
And it just goes to show that some of these officers, who are supposed to serve and protect, are actually stealing and provoking crime:
- A former Kern County Sheriff's Deputy, did indeed, pull motorists over and stole money from their wallets.
- A Kern County Sheriff's Sergeant was involved in an elder abuse case after becoming involved in a relationship with the person's daughter.
- One former Bakersfield police officer resigned after he paid for and engaged in sex acts with local prostitutes while on and off duty.
- Another Bakersfield police officer was under the influence and involved in a hit and run.
- A former Kern County Sheriff's Deputy was in possession of methamphetamine and prescription drugs.
- And, yet another Bakersfield police officer had possession of child pornography.
Perhaps, the most bizarre of them all, were two former Kern County Sheriff's Detention Deputies who engaged in having sex with prison inmates.
The actions by these despicable individuals who are supposed to serve and protect and uphold the law, not to mention who are also paid generously with tax money, is just disgraceful.
Sheriff Youngblood admits that the officers should all be held accountable and to a higher standard. But now the real question that remains: Will the Kern County Sheriff's Department take additional measures to train future police officers from engaging in illegal activity?
Having lived in Kern County my entire life, I can say that we have a very well respected police force. Nothing like some of the other corrupt police departments we've seen in other areas of the United States.
Nonetheless, Sheriff Youngblood has his work cut out for him and will have to take certain steps to ensure the Kern County Police Department's reputation is the same again.
Nothing like other corrupt departments? Your area (which I used to live in) is a hotbed of corruption. Anywhere that Ed Jagels can get elected over and over has some serious problems.
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