The Penal Code requires the Grand Jury to inquire into the willful or corrupt misconduct in office of public officers. Each year the Grand Jury receives numerous communications from citizens, civic groups, and county/city officials and employees alleging inefficiencies and misconduct in government. Complaints received by the Grand Jury are investigated for their validity. If it is determined that the situation warrants further investigation and the complaint falls within the Grand Jury's investigative authority the complaint will be assigned to a committee. Situations that the Grand Jury might investigate include:

• Possible felonies
• Charges of malfeasance (wrongdoing)
• Misfeasance (a lawful act in an unlawful matter)
• Nonfeasance (failure by public officials to perform a required act)

If appropriate, the Grand Jury may include the results of the investigation in a report. View more information on Grand Jury Reports.

The Grand Jury has the authority to investigate the officers, departments or functions of the County and special districts as well as any incorporated city or joint powers agency. Investigations may include examining the operations, accounts, and records of these entities. The Grand Jury has no jurisdiction over Federal or State agencies or Superior Court.

All complaints are kept confidential. Grand Jury investigations and interviews are protected by law. The Grand Jury's records may not be inspected nor subpoenaed.

Any citizen, county/city official, or county/city employee may submit a complaint to the Grand Jury. Complaints may be submitted in writing and include specific information, allegations, and documentation. Anonymous complaints may not be investigated.

If you know of a situation in Kern County that needs to be investigated by the Grand Jury, you may submit a complaint one of three ways:

1. Complete the Grand Jury Complaint Form (PDF), please print and sign it, then mail it to:

Kern County Grand Jury
1415 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 600
Bakersfield CA 93301

2. Request that a form be mailed to you by calling (661) 868-4797.

3. Call the Grand Jury Hotline at (661) 868-4800 – you may remain anonymous.

The Grand Jury will acknowledge all written complaints that are received. In addition, upon conclusion of the investigation of a complaint, the complainant will receive a letter informing them that the complaint has been closed.