Candidate for
Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator; County of Kern

J. R. Rodriguez was born in Bakersfield and is a 3rd generation Kern County resident. He was educated in local schools and colleges holding a degree in the Administration of Justice.

His law enforcement career began in 1979 as a volunteer reserve deputy for the Kern County Sheriff's Department. In 1983 he became a full time Kern County Deputy Sheriff. His first assignment was to the Lamont Substation utilizing his bilingual skills. Other assignments have included: Detentions, Substations, and Metropolitan Patrol.

He was selected for specialized investigative units, which included being an undercover narcotics investigator.

Moving up within the ranks, J.R. gained experience in supervising and managing the Sheriff's Department budget. Being selected to organize and coordinate the implementation of the Kern County Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team.

J.R. has extensive training with the Bakersfield Police Department, FBI, DEA, DOJ, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, California District Attorney Association, Los Angles Police Department, San Diego Regional Training Center, U.S. Military Intelligence, Kern County District Attorneys Office and Kern County Sheriff's Department, along with many other law enforcement components.

J. R. was elected and served for 10 years as President of the Kern Law Enforcement Association (KLEA), which represents Deputy Sheriff's and Investigators of the District Attorney's Office. He has previously been elected as the Vice President, Secretary/ Treasurer and Director. In those capacities he participated in the development and negotiations with the County Supervisors with successful MOU contracts.

In MOU agreements with the County Supervisor's working conditions, safety issues, financial compensations for the Deputy Sheriff's and Investigators were met that benefited the employees and the community they serve.

He is a lifelong member of the California Narcotic Officers Association and maintains a Basic, Intermediate, Advance and Supervisory certificates from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and successfully completed Management Training.

A dedicated family man, J.R and his wife, Norma, are the proud parents of: Jimmy, Robert, Nick and Kelsey.