The Grand Jury is a body of 19 citizens, independent of any political or special interest group. NO law degree or specific credential is necessary to be a Grand Jury member though an avid interest in preserving honest and proper conduct of ALL governmental agencies within Kern County is essential. Grand Jurors should also possess the desire to insure that all monies, within these areas of government, are being handled prudently and in the best interest of Kern County residents. The Grand Jury’s purpose is to serve and assist the people of Kern County.

The Grand Jury has two basic functions.

• Civil or "watch dog" function: In this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to examine the function and performance of public offices and officers. They report their findings and can make recommendations for changes. For more information on the reporting process, see the Reports page.
• Criminal function: In this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to inquire into possible public offenses, misconduct in office by public officers, and to determine whether to return indictments charging the commission of felonies.

The Grand Jury:

• Will objectively investigate, audit, or examine all aspects of County government, special districts, and cities to ensure that these bodies are being effectively governed and that public monies are being judiciously handled.
• May subpoena persons and/or records to obtain information on subjects under investigation.
• May issue an accusation against public officials that may result in removal from office if upheld by the Court.
• May conduct criminal hearings to hand down criminal indictments. After hearing evidence presented by the District Attorney's office, an affirmative vote of at least 12 out of 19 jurors is necessary to indict.

1. The Presiding Judge of the Kern County Superior Court, who acts as the advisor to the Grand Jury, selects a foreperson for the Jury.
2. The foreperson selects a foreperson pro-tem, a recording secretary, a sergeant-at-arms, and an assistant sergeant-at-arms.
3. Committees are then formed. Each juror may serve on several committees. These committees include:
   • Ad Hoc
   • Administration, Audit and County Services
   • Budget
   • Cities and Joint Powers
   • Continuity
   • Edit and Final Report
   • Health, Education and Social Services
   • Law and Justice
   • Library
   • Public Relations
   • Special Districts
   • Tracking

These committees conduct the majority of the work concerning investigations.  A general business meeting (Plenary) is held weekly with all Grand Jury members present to coordinate activity.

• The Grand Jury is sworn to secrecy and complete confidentiality as it pertains to complaints, witnesses, or content of investigative matters.
• The Grand Jury may not disclose any information they receive within the confines of the jury or the identity of anyone appearing before them, unless permission is given.
• Grand Jury investigations and interviews are protected by law.
• Grand Jury records may not be inspected nor subpoenaed.
• All hearings pertaining to criminal cases are conducted in complete secrecy regardless of their outcome.

The following oath is administered to Grand Jurors:

"I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of California, and all laws made pursuant to and in conformity therewith, will diligently inquire into, and true presentment make, of all public offenses against the people of this state, committed or triable within this county, of which the grand jury shall have or can obtain legal evidence. Further, I will not disclose any evidence brought before the grand jury, nor anything which I or any other grand juror may say, nor the manner in which I or any other grand juror may have voted on any matter before the grand jury. I will keep the charge that will be given to me by the court."

(Section 911, Penal Code, Amended June 2, 1983)