Mayor Bernal, other City leaders recognize conclusion of DOJ agreement with Antioch Police Department
By City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)
The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.
“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”
Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.
Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.
“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”
The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.
“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”
Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil
In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”
Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team
When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”
“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.
Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”
UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds
In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.
“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.
“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”
The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.
The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
the attachments to this post:
CoAntioch APD logo & badge art 2026 & USDOJ
