Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership

In April of 2010, the Bakersfield Police Department initiated Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership (BSSP), a Safe Community Partnership strategy. BSSP is made up of interdenominational clergy, law enforcement, community service providers, community organizations, elected officials, educators, business men and women, ex-gang members and concerned citizens from throughout the community. BSSP delivers a united message: Stop the gun violence in our community.

The BSSP builds bridges between those that need assistance to work towards a better path and those that have the services they need. The BSSP conducts gang call-ins in a caring and non-threatening environment so that their message can be delivered to those that are at the most risk of violence, either as a victim or as a suspect.

Our Mission

The Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership exists to engage a diverse group of community members to intervene in the lives of known gang members in an effort to reduce violence and save lives in our community.

Our Partners

Bakersfield Police Department Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Kern County Network for Children
Project 180 Partnership Kern County District Attorney Kern County Probation Department
Kern Minister's Conference National Brotherhood Association Stay Focused Ministries
Garden Pathways Stop The Violence New Life Training Center

Our Guiding Beliefs

  • The levels of gun violence in our community are unacceptable.
  • The realities of drug markets are unacceptable.
  • The tensions between police and minority communities are unacceptable.
  • The levels of incarceration in our community are unacceptable.
  • Every life in our community has value and should be respected.

Our Efforts

  • BSSP Call-Ins
    Directed at gangs identified as having the highest risk for being involved in gun violence as either a shooter or victim, BSSP held its first Call-In session in October 2010. BSSP invite active gang members to participate in the “call-ins” where they hear the community’s demand to stop the violence as well as a message of concern for the gang members and a willingness to help them through social services. BSSP has held a total of 16 Call-In sessions from October 2010 to June 2011 with a total of 187 members of six (6) Bakersfield area gangs.

    After each Call-In presentation, attendees were invited to work with a volunteer to complete a Call-In Participant Information and Service Referral Form. The information is used after the Call-In by BSSP staff and volunteers to connect attendees with appropriate vocational, educational and support services for themselves and their families.

  • Youth Prevention Services
    Kern County Superintendent of Schools' Project 180 program provides preventative and intervention services to at-risk youth (ages 8 - 16 years) and their families to prevent a youth's involvement in gang activity. Each enrolled youth receives a YLS/CMI assessment, after-school mentoring, Aggression Replacement Training, community service opportunities and case management. Parents/guardians receive Parent Project parenting classes and linking with community services.

Get Involved

BSSP is always looking for volunteers who are willing to donate their time and skills to BSSP efforts. Here are a few ways you can get involved and do your part to reduce gun violence in Bakersfield. If there are other ways you think you might donate your time to BSSP contact us at 661-636-4248 and we'll find a place for you.

BSSP Resource Center


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