1	Bakersfield Next Five Years Ray Pruitt Crime Prevention Coordinator Kern County Sheriff’s Office
2	Next Five Years Overview of crime/gang problem. Impact on community. What business can do.
3	Next Five Years Kern County/Metropolitan Bakersfield have grown significantly in recent years. New growth puts a strain on existing resources, including law enforcement. This makes it more difficult to accomplish our mission, which is providing safety to residents and people who visit Kern County. Crime is a community problem, and must be addressed as such, we are more effective when we partner together.
4	Next Five Years Sheriff’s Office staffs a Gang Suppression Unit (GSU). Since 1989, 221 various gangs have been identified in Kern County. Currently there are about 63 active gangs in Kern County. 6,345 documented gang members and associates
5	Next Five Years (GSU) 1-Lieutenant 2-Sergeants 3-Sr. Deputies 8-Deputies
6	Next Five Years 2006 – 22 gang related homicides. 2007 – 18 gang related homicides to date. 2007 – 400 reported incidents involving gang members. 2007 – 1,049 arrests 910 adults 139 juveniles
7	Next Five Years By January 2009, the (GSU) will add: 1- Sergeant 2- Sr. Deputies 15- Deputies 1- Crime Analyst Total 35 staff
8	Next Five Years (GSU) Functions: Pro-active street enforcement. Investigate gang related homicides. Community awareness presentations. Gang expert testimony. Intelligence gathering. Training of department personnel.
9	Next Five Years What is the impact of crime on the community? Community is in fear of their safety. Recent gang crimes have occurred in non-traditional gang areas. When people are afraid, they tend to isolate themselves.
10	Next Five Years What business community can do. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. By taking pro-active measures, businesses can help reduce instances of crime. Businesses can work with law enforcement to improve security of business (CPTED).
11	Next Five Years What businesses can do cont. Join with other businesses to establish Business Watch groups, similar to Neighborhood Watch. Think of your business as a neighborhood. Get to know businesses around you. Learn how to report suspicious activity.
12	Next Five Years What businesses can do cont. Have law enforcement conduct security survey. Post Business Watch signs, which are a deterrent. Train employees in areas of shoplifting prevention, robbery prevention, burglary prevention, and check/credit card fraud.
13	Next Five Years Remember, public safety is every citizens responsibility. Law enforcement is much more effective when the community works with us to address crime issues. Prevention is cost effective in the long run.