BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department has announced it’s now the lead agency investigating the disappearance of 4-year-old Orrin and 3-year-old Orson West in California City, who have been missing since December.

The California City Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation will continue to have active roles in the investigation, the department said.

“We understand the public outcry for information regarding the ongoing efforts to locate Orrin and Orson West. Significant resources have and will continue to be allocated to explore all tips, investigative leads and possibilities,” BPD said in a news release. “However, specific information regarding law enforcement efforts, strategies and knowledge will not be released to protect the integrity of the investigation. Our goal is the return of the boys and the investigation will continue until that is accomplished. All inquiries regarding this investigation should be directed to the Bakersfield Police Department.”

Full release below:

The Bakersfield Police Department is now the primary or lead agency for the
investigation into the December 21, 2020 disappearance of Orrin and Orson West and
the circumstances surrounding it. The California City Police Department and Federal
Bureau of Investigation will continue to have active roles in the investigation.
The primary or lead agency is responsible for investigative strategies, obtaining
information, resource allocation and fact compiling. Due to facts now known to
investigators, and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the City of
Bakersfield is a historical nexus to the children.

The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for anyone who had contact with Orrin
and/or Orson West within the past year, regardless of the context, to contact us via
Secret Witness at 661 322-4040. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts,
circumstances or history of the little boys is encouraged to share that information with
law enforcement by utilizing the Secret Witness tip-line at 661 322-4040.
We understand the public outcry for information regarding the ongoing efforts to locate Orrin and Orson West.

Significant resources have and will continue to be allocated to explore all tips, investigative leads and possibilities; however, specific information regarding law enforcement efforts, strategies and knowledge will not be released to protect the integrity of the investigation. Our goal is the return of the boys and the investigation will continue until that is accomplished.

All inquiries regarding this investigation should be directed to the Bakersfield Police
Department.