BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Jail bed space has been an issue in Kern County for years and the Bakersfield City Council says it's fed up.

There are open beds but there isn't enough jail staffing to fill those beds. As a result, some criminals get released just a day after they're arrested.

"We have become a catch-and-release law enforcement county, our law enforcement personnel work hard to apprehend the repeat offenders in our community only to have them back on the streets the same day," said Ward 4 City Councilmember Bob Smith.

Smith has spearheaded this new city task force, speaking at the county board of supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Smith also made a staff recommendation at city council to create this task force.

The jail bed solution isn't easy, says Kern County Sheriff Donny

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