History of Kern Secret Witness Program

The Kern Secret Witness Program was formed as a public benefit, nonprofit corporation in 1982. It is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to involve the public in the criminal justice system by removing the fear of reprisal for assisting law enforcement. This is guaranteed by insuring that those who provide information will never be identified by the Secret Witness Program.

Rewards are available for those who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspected persons. This program is administered by the Secret Witness Board of Directors, and all funding for the program comes from public donations.

The Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff's Department support the Secret Witness program and recognize it as a valuable tool to help solve crimes and apprehend wanted persons.