Antioch City Council Rejects Key Changes to Police Oversight Commission

UPDATE: The Antioch City Council has just rejected crucial amendments to the city’s Police Oversight Commission, creating immediate implications for governance and community trust. The decision, made last week, was driven by heated debates over proposed background checks and social media reviews for commissioners, as well as the authority of the Council over the commission’s operations.

The rejected recommendations included mandatory background checks and fingerprinting for new commissioners, which sparked significant pushback. Councilmember Donald Freitas firmly opposed these measures, stating, “I don’t think it’s appropriate in this commission. I don’t think it’s appropriate in any commission,” highlighting concerns over bias and prejudice in the selection process.

Commission member Susan Kennedy echoed these sentiments, cautioning that such rigorous requirements could promote exclusion. “It also begs the question, why just APOC?” she stated, referencing the climate of cancel culture surrounding social media scrutiny.

This controversy intensified following the appointment of Joseph Mitchell in May, whose past social media posts drew criticism over alleged racist and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. His appointment has been a flashpoint in the ongoing discussion about the commission’s composition and credibility.

New proposals also included allowing current or former law enforcement officers to serve as commissioners, a suggestion that raised alarms among residents who likened it to “the fox guarding the hen house.” However, Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger defended the idea, citing successful examples from other cities, such as Seattle, which recently exited a consent decree with the U.S. government.

Another significant change proposed was granting the City Council the ability to temporarily pause the oversight commission. This recommendation stipulated that any such action must receive a majority vote and could only last for up to three months within a rolling 12-month period. Mayor Ron Bernal had previously requested a pause while searching for a replacement for Commissioner Leslie May, who left the commission, reducing its membership to four.

Councilmember Monica Wilson expressed concern about the potential for misuse of this power, labeling it a “slippery slope.” Freitas added that any changes regarding pauses should apply uniformly to all city boards and commissions to maintain integrity.

Additional discussions included altering the requirement for commissioners to complete a police ride-along within 90 days of their appointment instead of the initial 30 days. Councilmembers also suggested exploring alternative training options, such as shadowing dispatchers, to accommodate those unable to participate in ride-alongs.

The City Council is expected to review and refine these recommendations further, with city staff tasked to draft a detailed ordinance for future consideration. This developing story is set to significantly impact the relationship between the police and the community, raising questions about accountability and transparency.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about upcoming meetings and decisions that will shape the future of the Police Oversight Commission in Antioch.