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.