Antioch City Council Rejects Police Oversight Changes, Sparks Debate

UPDATE: The Antioch City Council has just rejected several proposed amendments to the Police Oversight Commission, igniting heated discussions among council members and residents alike. This critical decision, made last week, revolved around controversial recommendations concerning background checks and the role of law enforcement on the commission.

The council turned down a series of amendments aimed at tightening oversight, including background checks and social media reviews for new commissioners. Councilmember Donald Freitas voiced strong opposition, stating that such measures could introduce bias and prejudice into the selection process. “I don’t think it’s appropriate in this commission. I don’t think it’s appropriate in any commission,” Freitas argued, emphasizing the need for consistent standards across all city boards.

Residents raised significant concerns about the potential implications of allowing current or former police officers to serve on the commission, likening it to “the fox guarding the hen house.” This debate intensified following the appointment of Joseph Mitchell, whose past social media posts drew accusations of racism and discrimination. Councilmembers are now grappling with how best to balance oversight with community trust.

Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger defended the inclusion of law enforcement perspectives, referencing the Seattle Police Commission’s successful model. “Seattle just exited their consent decree recently that they had with the U.S. government,” Kundinger noted, suggesting that this approach has federal endorsement.

A new proposal granting the City Council authority to temporarily pause the oversight commission was also under discussion. This measure would require a majority council vote and could be invoked under specific circumstances, such as budget constraints or shifts in city priorities. Mayor Ron Bernal had previously suggested pausing the commission while searching for a replacement for resigned Commissioner Leslie May, raising alarms about the potential misuse of this power.

Councilmember Monica Wilson cautioned against such a pause, describing it as a “slippery slope.” “There has to be an extreme circumstance and valid reasoning,” she insisted, reflecting the concerns of several council members who fear that this could undermine the commission’s integrity.

Further proposed changes included extending the timeframe for new commissioners to complete a police ride-along from 30 days to 90 days after appointment. The council has directed staff to explore alternative training methods for commissioners who may not be able to participate in ride-alongs.

These recommendations are not yet finalized. City staff will prepare a detailed ordinance based on the council’s discussions and present it for further review. The future of the Police Oversight Commission hangs in the balance, with residents and officials alike eager to see how these changes will unfold.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the council continues to navigate public safety and community oversight.