The Bakersfield, California Police Department has posted a community debriefing regarding an officer involved shooting which occurred on November 30, 2020. The debriefing contains actual footage of the shooting and a summation of information.
Our commitment to community trust requires openness and transparency in all matters, especially the use of deadly force by a police officer. While this investigation has moved to a point where it is practical to release this information, the matter is still under review. The involved officers remain on modified duty pending a determination by the Chief of Police as to the appropriateness of their actions under state law and department policy.
The officers involved in the shooting are identified as Senior Officer Sandeep Malhi and Kevin Shipton. Senior Officer Malhi has been an officer with the department for approximately six years. Officer Shipton has been an officer for approximately one year. Both officers were wearing body camera devices.
During the course of the investigation and through interviews with the involved subject, it was determined that in fact, the previously released flashlight photos did not depict the item brandished at the officers. The correct item was determined to be a dark colored phone charging pack.
Chief of Police Greg Terry said, “The public has a legitimate interest in obtaining timely and accurate information about police shootings, and the Bakersfield Police Department is committed to making that information available. We will release the body worn camera footage of officers in critical incidents as soon as it is possible to do so without compromising an investigation. This is our commitment to accountability and professionalism.”
