May 28, 2026
From left to right: Chief’s son Caleb, his wife April, Chief Stratton, and his son Jacob. Photo by Norma Jean Photography
Experienced, tenacious, determined: Bakersfield’s Chief of Police Brent P. Stratton could be described with precise attributes highlighting his extensive career in law enforcement.
Although newly appointed to the role, Chief Stratton brings more than 20 years of experience, including tenure as an assistant chief managing the department’s Special Operations Division, 12 years on the SWAT Team, and work as a sergeant for the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, among others.
Just in time for Father’s Day, Chief Stratton took time to share about less public but intensely personal titles he values: dedicated husband and dad.
Married to his wife, April, for 22 years, the couple has raised four children together. Caleb, 16, is in high school, while Jacob, 19, studies at Bakersfield College. Daughter Adrieyanna is a nurse and son Alexander is in solar sales.
Originally from Bakersfield, Chief Stratton truly knows the community. His father, Bob Stratton, was a local police officer and his mother also worked for the Bakersfield Police Department.
Chief Stratton was pinned at the ceremony by his father,
retired BPD Detective Bob Stratton. Photo by Norma Jean Photography
Chief Stratton graduated with a degree in history before returning to his hometown. He also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from California State University, Bakersfield and was named a CSUB Business and Public Administration Alumnus of the Year in 2025.
In keeping with his intentional approach to life, Chief Stratton reflected on how defining six core values has shaped his family: being strong and capable, courageous, kind, humble but confident, compassionate and gritty.
“Over the last several years, I have thought about a key question: ‘What kind of people do I want my children to be?’ Not what kind of job do I want them to do but ‘What kind of human do I want them to be?,’” he said. “I hope to shape them to become good people in our community, who can be counted on and relied upon.”
Informed by years of witnessing the human spectrum, his advice to other parents is to consider similar questions.
On April 24, 2026 Brent Stratton and his wife
April, stand with Kern County Judge John R.
Brownlee as he administers the oath of office.
Photo: LJ Radon
Similarly, Chief Stratton’s approach to law enforcement leadership is rooted in the everyday application of the department’s mission statement: “The Bakersfield Police Department partners with our community to protect the lives and property of the people we serve.”
“Those are not just words on a wall that dictate what we do. Community-oriented policing isn't simply a phrase or a buzzword in our profession; it's something we live out in our communities,” he said. “Unlike a lot of cities in this country where officers can’t afford to live where they police or don’t want to, we live here. We work here. We go to church here. We raise our children here.”
Chief Stratton recognized the responsibility of both his role and the work his officers carry out in Bakersfield as the ninth-largest city in California, America’s most populous state.
“Our officers truly do care about our community and live out that mission statement. I don't believe we can solve all the problems but I do believe many can be solved through partnerships from individuals, businesses and organizations, a collaborative approach,” he said.
Outside of work, Chief Stratton can be found working on the family’s hobby farm. He considers dedication to his faith as a way of taking care of himself and his family, as well as fitness activities like lifting weights and running. Every day, he seeks to live out those core values, impacting our community for the better.
Q&A: Two questions with Chief Stratton
Q. What do you want Kern County families to know?
A. Bakersfield is a safe place. One of the things I want to improve is that feeling of safety; there are things that happen in any community but this is a safe place to live and be. The Bakersfield Police Department is working to make it even safer, from roadway safety to solving issues related to homelessness.
Q. What is your parenting PSA for parents?
A. Be proactive, be engaged and be aware, which exponentially increases children’s chances of success. Know about issues like:
- Human trafficking
- Fentanyl usage among teenagers
- Social media
- Teen suicide
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
Q. Favorite restaurant: Pour House Bar and Grill; I enjoy anything Chef Lino makes.
Q. Hidden gem in Kern County: The Idle Spur. They do lunch but then only serve dinner on Friday nights. It’s the best steak in Bakersfield.
Q. Favorite musical group: I’m pretty eclectic in my musical taste but I always go back to Garth Brooks.
Q. First thing I do when I wake up in the morning: Give thanks, 100%. I have that discipline built in me to say, ‘Thank you for letting me open my eyes another day. Thank you for my wife, thank you for the breath in my lungs.’
