Policy Text
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is committed to work in partnership with our community to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life for the
residents and visitors of Kern County through professional public safety services.
ISSUE: 25-32
TRAINING BULLETIN
DATE: June 11, 2025
California Penal Code 835a and Deadly Force Incident Update
This training bulletin is intended to highlight the legal requirements that govern the use of deadly
force. Deputies must be able to navigate these complex legal issues in often life-threatening
circumstances. This bulletin seeks to clarify the information deputies must be expected to
articulate in the investigation following a deadly force incident.
California Penal Code 835a
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) That the authority to use physical force, conferred on peace officers by this section, is a
serious responsibility that shall be exercised judiciously and with respec