Who Patrols Taft Heights? Kern Sheriff’s Taft Substation Covers the Unincorporated Community

TAFT HEIGHTS, KERN COUNTY — November 9, 2026. Kern County Sheriff’s Office identifies Taft Heights as an unincorporated community served from its Taft Substation, 601 Gardner Field Road, rather than an incorporated part of the City of Taft.

Taft Heights is not incorporated into the city

Kern County Sheriff’s Office explains that Taft incorporated in 1910 while Taft Heights, South Taft and Ford City remained unincorporated neighborhoods. The department says its Taft Substation is responsible for law enforcement in nearby unincorporated settlements and surrounding west-side areas. The fact that a resident has a Taft postal address does not make the property part of the City of Taft.

The published contact

The Sheriff lists the Taft Substation at 601 Gardner Field Road, Taft, California 93268, with a general telephone number of (661) 763-8550. Its stated response area spans 787 square miles, taking in oilfields, agricultural land and communities such as McKittrick, Fellows, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres and Valley Acres. The same office also provides law enforcement services to the incorporated city of Maricopa.

Which number to use

For an active crime, immediate danger or emergency, call 911; the substation’s office number is for appropriate nonemergency contact and questions. Ask staff how to make a nonurgent report, obtain an incident number or check the appropriate reporting jurisdiction. Do not publish a witness’s personal details publicly in a community tip.

Why local governance matters

The distinction between a city and unincorporated county territory affects where residents report zoning, road maintenance, utilities, code enforcement and sheriff coverage. The sheriff’s page does not determine who maintains a specific private road, and the neighboring Taft Police Department may have different city boundaries. Use the parcel jurisdiction and the responsible agency’s current service-area records.

Primary source and editorial limitations

Kern County Sheriff’s Office — Taft Substation service area and contact. This report describes sourced public information rather than personal observation; residents may submit corrections and official updates to Taft Heights News. Dates, agency responsibilities and services may change.

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