Nearly 40 people were arrested following a Bakersfield police operation conducted to help catch those violating curfew at local parks.

According to police officials the Bakersfield Police Department, Code Enforcement, and the Rapid Response team conducted the operation focused on park curfew and trespassing in buildings marked as uninhabitable. The operation began at 3 a.m. Tuesday and ended at about 10:30 a.m. The park curfew violations were focused at Patriots Park, Saunders Park, Jastro Park, and Lowell Park.

During the operation, 23 people were arrested for open charges, including illegal narcotics possession, restraining order violations, and trespassing among other charges. Fifteen additional people were arrested for outstanding arrest warrants.

In addition, eight dogs were found in a detached garage next to a condemned structure at 1120 Gage Street. It was determined that the dogs lacked sufficient food or water. Unable to identify or locate owners the dogs were transported to the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center.

The Rapid Response team assisted with clean up at the parks, as well as with the seizure of personal property left behind at the parks, for safekeeping.