Brent Stratton

Assistant Chief of Police Brent Stratton manages the Field Services Division and Special Operations Division of the Bakersfield Police Department.

Assistant Chief Stratton has worked at the Bakersfield Police Department since 2004 and has worked as an Officer in Patrol, the Directed Policing Unit, the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit), and as a Field Training Officer. In 2011, he promoted to Detective where he was assigned to General Investigations and then Robbery/Homicide. In 2012, he was promoted to Sergeant where he worked in Patrol, the Career Criminal Apprehension Team, Major Crimes, Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, and Internal Affairs. In 2016, he promoted to Lieutenant where he served as a Watch Commander before being transferred to Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, and finally managing the Records Section, Property Section, and the Communications Center. In 2020, he promoted to Captain over the Special Operations Division.

Assistant Chief Stratton has held a variety of collateral assignments including 12 years on the SWAT Team as an Operator, Supervisor, and Commander. He is actively involved in the Department’s Physical Fitness Committee, Academy Instructor, and he represents the organization annually in the “Baker 2 Vegas” relay race.

Assistant Chief Stratton holds a Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University in History and a Master’s Degree from California State University Bakersfield in Public Policy and Administration. He is the president of the California Association of Tactical Officers, President of Youth Connection, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Global Family and is on the Advisory Council for the Mendiburu Magic Foundation.