New amendment to city charter could allow outside hires for fire and police chiefs

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A proposed amendment to the city charter could change the way police and fire chiefs are hired in Bakersfield.

The amendment would remove all language that currently requires appointment of the fire and police chiefs from within their respective departments. The change would allow the city to hire new chiefs from outside Bakersfield.

The city council is expected to make an argument for or against the proposal at Wednesday’s meeting.