Archive for the ‘Police & Crime’ Category

Antioch Police Chief recruitment Community Meeting Feb. 8

Saturday, February 1st, 2025

Help shape the future of Antioch’s Police leadership!

By Antioch Police Department

Join us for a Community Meeting on the recruitment of our next Antioch Police Chief! This is your opportunity to share your thoughts on the qualities and experience you believe are essential for our city’s next law enforcement leader.

Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 AM
Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in our community!

Antioch Police Department focuses on distracted driving dangers

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

Of violating hands-free cell phone law

By Sgt. Rob Green, Antioch Police Department

Antioch, Calif. – On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the Antioch Police Department conducted an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Antioch Police Department will hold another distracted driving enforcement operation in April as part of Distracted Driving Awareness month.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Antioch Council to consider hiring consulting firm for police department, concealed weapons license fees

Monday, January 13th, 2025
New Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, center, will lead his first regular council meeting and the first one of the new year, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2024. Herald file photo.

In compliance with USDOJ agreement; will consist of two former APD personnel

Will receive police chief recruitment presentation

Consider emergency staffing, converting 3 Code Enforcement Officers to other positions

By Allen D. Payton

During their first meeting of the year and the first regular meeting for the newly elected mayor and two members on Tuesday night, Jan. 14, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider approving an agreement with WBA Consulting & Investigative Services for the police department to comply with the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $225,000 through June 30, 2025, with a one-time extension for an additional six months for the same terms.

According to the City staff report for agenda Item 4, the “consultant team that can provide support, guidance, and advice in several areas, which will supplement and enhance the Antioch Police Department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The City requires assistance with overall project management for Police Department operations and administration, policy support, and special project implementation for not only day-to-day operations, but also with compliance efforts identified in the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) settlement agreement with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch dated January 2, 2025.” (See related article)

In addition, the staff report reads, “The services provided by WBA Consulting…will be provided by two former Antioch Police Department personnel who have been working within the department as Interim Chief and Interim Captain for the majority of the 2024 year. The team will continue to provide executive police management support and consultation to the Acting Chief and City Manager as it relates to mandatory compliance with relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and rules.”

Police Chief Recruitment Presentation & Process

Under Item 4, the council will be provided with a presentation by Bob Hall & Associates for the recruitment of a permanent police chief. As part of the process, in January and February the firm will Solicit City Council Feedback on Ideal Candidate, Hold Community-wide Feedback Forums (2 in person, 1 Online), Solicit Stakeholder Feedback from the Business Community, Youth & Schools, Faith-based Community, Antioch Police Officers Association and Oher Stakeholders.

The consultants will also Launch a Nationwide Recruitment, Conduct an Online Community Survey and Attend Community Forums for Additional Feedback in each Council District if Requested by Council Members.

Then in February and March Preliminary Screening of Candidates will occur, Candidate Resumes and Cover Letters will be Evaluated to Determine Experience and Education Most Closely Aligned to the City’s Desired Qualifications; the Recruitment Team Will Conduct Screening Interviews with Candidates to Assess which Applicants Should be Moved Forward to the City’s Selection Process and the Most Qualified Candidates will be Presented to the City for Consideration to be Invited to Participate in the Interview Panels.

In March the Candidates will Participate in the following Oral Assessment Panels:
Professional Panel: Consisting Police Chiefs/City Managers
Community Panel: Consisting of Community Members from Each District and a
Staff Panel: Consisting of Leadership Team and other Key Staff Members

In March and April, Candidates Determined to be Most Aligned with the City’s Desired Qualifications will be Invited to an Initial Oral Interview with the City Manager and Additional Community Assessment. If necessary, Finalists will Participate in a Final Interview with the City Manager and then the City Manager will Make the Hiring Decision.

Finally, in April and May, the City will Conduct Background Investigations and other HR Functions and the New Chief Start Date will be Determined.

Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) License Fee

Under Item 6, the council will consider setting fees for a Carry Concealed Weapons License now that the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office is no longer providing the service to residents of cities.

According to the City staff report. “California Penal Code § 26155(a) requires ‘the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city’ to issue ‘carry concealed weapons” (CCW) licenses to residents of the city so long as the applicant meets the legal requirements. California Penal Code § 26155(c) allows the chief to enter into “an agreement with the sheriff of the county in which the city is located for the sheriff to process applications for licenses, renewals of licenses, and amendments to licenses…”; however, the sheriff is not required to do this if the population of the county is over 200,000 people.

“For several years, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received, processed, and issued CCW applications for residents of most of the municipalities in Contra Costa County, including the City of Antioch. Recently, the Sheriff advised the municipalities they would no longer be providing this service necessitating the City of Antioch Police Department to implement a CCW process.

“Pursuant to the California Government Code §66000 et seq., and California Penal Code §26190(b)(1), fees can be assessed to recoup an amount equal to the reasonable costs associated with processing CCW applications, issuing CCW licenses, and enforcing the license. The City of Antioch Master Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2024, does contain a ‘Gun Permit Fee’; however, it is unknown the last time this particular fee was updated, and the established fee does not effectively recoup the costs associated with conducting this activity nor have the appropriate title.

The proposed fees are as follows: New Permit Initial Fee (refundable)- $261.50; Issuance Fee – $261.50; Renewal Permit – $455.00; Amended Permit – $64.00 and Duplicate – $30.00.

Emergency Staffing

Under Item 11, the council will consider approving funds for the following emergency staffing positions for the Finance Department, Human Resources Department, Office of the City Manager, Office of the City Clerk and Conversion of Computer Technician in Information Services: Payroll Specialist; Human Resources Manager; Human Resources Analyst; Public Records Coordinator; Assistant to the City Manager; and conversion of a Computer Technician to Administrative Assistant in Information Services.

The proposal includes conversion of three Code Enforcement Officer (“CEO”) positions.

Meeting Details

The council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Closed Session to discuss five matters including a significant exposure to litigation, conference with labor negotiators for the Antioch Public Works Employees Association (APWEA) Bargaining Unit, Public Employee Evaluations of the city manager and city attorney, as well as discussing of the police chief employment.

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

See the complete agenda packet.

Antioch Police Dispatchers save boater’s life on Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 26th, 2024
Photo by Antioch PD

Coordinated with multiple agencies

By Antioch Police Department

On the night of December 24, 2024, Dispatcher Autumn Turnage received a 911 call from a man whose boat had sunk near Sherman Island, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life. Over the course of an intense and emotional hour-long call, Turnage demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and compassion in ensuring the man’s survival.

Despite challenges with communication lines, Turnage remained determined, coordinating between multiple agencies, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, Sacramento County, Solano County, and the Coast Guard. With the support of her partner, Dispatcher Taylor Hubbard, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, Turnage provided critical information such as GPS coordinates and location pings from the Rapid Deploy system to aid the Coast Guard in their search efforts.

Throughout the call, Turnage acted as a lifeline for the man, offering constant reassurance during moments of despair and panic. She chose to stay on the line even after transferring him to the Coast Guard, encouraging him to hold on and reminding him he wasn’t alone. At 12:02 AM on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard successfully rescued the man and brought him to safety.

Hubbard’s behind-the-scenes efforts were equally vital, as she managed radio communications, fielded additional calls, and even calmed the man’s panicked friend, ensuring no further risks were taken.

Their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork saved a life and brought hope to a family this holiday season. Antioch is proud to have these extraordinary dispatchers as part of our police department. Please join us in celebrating their heroic efforts!

2 arrested, gun and ammo seized at Antioch PD DUI Driver’s License Checkpoint

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024
Antioch PD’s DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Auto Center Drive, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. Photos by Antioch PD

By Antioch Police Department

As part of the National Winter Mobilization Enforcement Campaign, the Antioch Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Auto Center Drive on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

In December 2022, 1,062 lives were tragically lost in alcohol-impaired driving crashes across the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results:

• 403 drivers screened

• 19 citations issued for unlicensed or suspended drivers

• 2 arrests made

• 1 firearm recovered

This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to improving roadway safety through education and enforcement.

Funding for this operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Drive safe. Save lives.

Antioch Police spread Christmas cheer to burglary victims

Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
Photos by Antioch PD.

By Antioch Police Department

Today, Sunday, December 22, 2024, we had the privilege of doing something truly special that warmed our hearts.

Last week, Officer Lundin responded to a burglary in progress. The suspects escaped, taking with them all the Christmas gifts. The victim, who had recently lost her job, was devastated and unable to replace the presents for her family and young daughter.

Officer Lundin couldn’t stand by without helping. She rallied her patrol team, and with the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to replace the stolen gifts and bring some holiday magic to the family.

When our dayshift crew arrived with the gifts, the victim greeted us with the biggest smile and even baked cookies for everyone. The joy and gratitude we witnessed made this moment unforgettable.

(Side note: Did you know Officer Lundin has a huge heart for animals too? She’s often called on by our dispatchers when Antioch Animal Services is not available for loose or injured pets—and rumor has it, they might have even convinced her to adopt a dog!)

Officer Lundin, thank you for your kindness, dedication, and determination to make things right. You’ve truly embodied the holiday spirit!

Antioch Police swear in two new officers, say farewell to Captain Wentz

Saturday, December 21st, 2024
Interim Antioch Police Chief Addington administers the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Oath of Honor to all newly promoted Corporal Joseph Chandler, new Officers Rajbir Singh and Joshua Johnson, and new Administrative Analyst Ashley Martinez on Wed., Dec. 18, 2024. All photos by Antioch PD

Promote another to corporal, add administrative analyst

Brings total sworn to 79, will be at 80 on force as of Monday

By Antioch Police Department

What an incredible evening celebrating our future and honoring our dedicated team! On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, we proudly welcomed two new police officers, Officer Johnson and Officer Singh, as well as our new administrative analyst, Ashley Martinez. We also celebrated the well-deserved promotion of Corporal Chandler. Lastly, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Captain Patrick Wentz, whose time with us, though brief, left a profound and lasting impact. Thank you to all for your commitment and service to our community!

Departing Captain Patrick Wenz offered his farewell and was presented with a commemorative plaque.

During the ceremony, Interim Chief Brian Addington shared details on each of the four personnel.

Rajbir Singh – Police Trainee

Rajbir was born in India and moved to the US in 2007. He grew up in Tracy and graduated from Kimball high school in 2020. Rajbir says he is committed to building strong community relationships in the City of Antioch. During his free time, enjoy exercising, playing video games, and watching movies.

Fun fact: Rajbir enjoys training Brazilian jiu jitsu and boxing.

Joshua Johnson – Police Trainee

Joshua was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School where he played sports to include football, track and field, and cross country. He joined the U.S. Army right out of high school and fulfilled a phenomenal career of 23 years with the U.S. Army. Outside of work, he loves to run and participate in athletic activities. Joshua has fulfilled three college degrees to include an AA in general studies, BS in Leadership, and MS in Leadership. Taking care of his family is very meaningful to him.

Fun fact: Joshua enjoys bird watching and attending live pro-wrestling events.

Ashley Martinez – Administrative Analyst (Chief’s Assistant)

Ashley was born and raised in the Bay Area. Prior to joining Antioch PD, she worked at Pittsburg PD as the Chief’s Assistant for 7 ½ years. She decided to join Antioch PD for professional growth and to be a little closer to home since she lives in Discovery Bay. Ashley loves to dance and spend quality time with her family and friends. She is very excited to join Antioch PD and is looking forward to meeting all of you!

Fun fact: Ashley loves Zumba and attending outdoor festivals and concerts.

New Antioch Police Corporal Chandler takes his oath of office administered by Interim Chief Addington.

Joseph Chandler, Corporal

After a 13-year career in television sports broadcasting, Joseph Chandler decided that he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. He became an officer with another agency in 2016, and in 2020, he made the move to become part of the Antioch Police Department. He has enjoyed serving the community.

In his free time, Corporal Chandler loves to spend time with his family, golfing and being on the lake.

The two new additions bring the total of sworn officers on the force to 79 and Addington said that figure will increase to 80, again on Monday because “a cop that left is returning.” Those totals are out of 115 sworn officers approved in the City’s budget.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City manager’s email only sent to Hernandez-Thorpe of investigation into allegations of possible misconduct with staffer by former Antioch Police Chief Ford leaked to reporter

Thursday, December 5th, 2024
Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe speaks as announced, new interim police chief Dr. Steve Ford looks on during a press conference on police staffing and incentive programs for hiring more officers on Monday, April 4, 2022. Herald file photo.

Made by estranged wife during divorce proceedings

Leak exposes City to lawsuit

“This is unfortunate. This is a private, personal matter and has nothing to do with Chief Ford’s past performance” – former City Manager Con Johnson who hired Ford.

By Allen D. Payton

An article by the East Bay Times published Tuesday, December 3, 2024, revealed an administrative investigation of possible misconduct by former Antioch Police Chief Steven A. Ford with a subordinate city employee during his brief tenure in the position. Ford was hired as interim police chief in April 2022 and was appointed to the permanent position that October. He retired from the position effective August 11, 2023.

An email from Ford’s estranged wife, Julia, who is pursuing a divorce, was sent to District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker about the allegations, who in turn informed City Manager Bessie Scott who then began an investigative process. It was confirmed today, Thursday, December 5, that the email referred to in the Times article was sent by Scott only to Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe after he asked her to put in writing details about the matter.

Rumors have circulated recently that Ford was hoping to be hired again as Antioch’s police chief following the election of the new mayor and council members. He endorsed Ron Bernal for mayor and attended an election night party in Antioch where all three candidates and their supporters celebrated.

“Scott’s email is dated Nov. 27, roughly two weeks after Ford’s estranged wife on Nov. 12 emailed city officials accusing Ford of ‘dating someone who worked in Antioch’ last year,” the Times article reads. It also claims that in her email Scott wrote she reported the allegations to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as required by state law (see below).

In Ford’s retirement announcement on July 19, 2023, just two days after another Times article revealed additional racist text messages among the department’s officers including one referring to him, Ford wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I forward this email to inform that I will be retiring as of August 11th. My time here has been both a tremendous opportunity and quite challenging. What is most meaningful to me are the relationships I have forged. I’m grateful for the way you embraced me and the changes we made. I firmly believe with your help and determination this organization is poised to move forward in a very meaningful way and evolve where anyone would want to work.”

The Times article is based on the reporter’s claim of an internal email by City Manager Bessie Scott dated Wednesday, Nov. 27, that he obtained, which mentions the administrative investigation for which “an outside investigator” has been hired. It also reports that Ford is currently in the midst of a divorce and that the “proceedings began around the time of his resignation.”

As previously reported, Ford’s wife was a 26-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department at the time of his oath of office ceremony in April 2022 and she joined her husband at the podium to pin him with his new chief’s badge. 

Former City Manager Con Johnson Shares Concerns About Investigation

Former Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson, who worked with Ford during their time in the San Francisco Police Department, hired him for the top cop position in Antioch.

When reached for comment Johnson said, “This is unfortunate. This is a private, personal matter and has nothing to do with Chief Ford’s past performance. I understand Tamisha received an email from his estranged wife with accusations against the chief.”

“There’s not even a victim,” the former city manager continued. “I’ve never heard of an investigation into a personal matter. We’re still talking about a ghost. We don’t know who the accuser is or if that’s been verified or confirmed. Normally the person would be named. We’ve seen this in other departments. This, here, is a hit piece, a scare campaign to undermine the chief’s performance with the City of Antioch.”

“The facts that have been printed are this complaint came from his estranged wife about possible accusations,” Johnson stated. “I’d just like to caution people to not jump to conclusions until all the facts are in and give the chief the presumption of innocence. It all stems from a divorce process. This is between him and his wife.”

“The City does not have the authority to investigate a former city employee. I’m perplexed. I’ve never heard of an investigation of a former employee,” he added.

Asked about the possibility that the leaked email exposes the City to a lawsuit by Ford, Johnson said emphatically, “Absolutely. Because what ends up happening is, personnel matters are private and this should never have been leaked to the press in the first place and they don’t have the authority.”

“The city manager answers to all city council members. This is an unorthodox way to release information,” he continued. “If all of the council members have not been briefed about this matter, it’s inappropriate in and of itself. The city manager has the legal requirement and responsibility

“It’s very disturbing that two of the council members didn’t know about this and found out about it through the press. That’s completely inappropriate,” Johnson added.

Efforts to reach the former police chief for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Questions for City Staff, Mayor, Two Council Members Go Unanswered

Questions were sent Tuesday morning to City Manager Bess Scott, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Human Resources Director Ana Chavez and the five current council members. They were asked to whom the internal email dated Nov. 27 referenced in the article was sent, and if it was Cortez and Smith. They were also asked who is conducting the administrative investigation into the allegations against Ford.

They were asked if the council members were sent the email or informed of it before the article was published and if so, which council members.

They were also asked if they know who leaked the email to the Times’ reporter, if any of them had done so and if an investigation has been commenced to determine who leaked it.

A copy of the email was also requested to be sent to the Herald.

No responses from the city staff members were received prior to publication time.

Two Council Members Say They Didn’t Receive Email

Asked if they received the email both District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said they did not nor know about it before the article was published.

“Nor have I seen the email,” Barbanica added.

However, both of them said it was a personnel matter, and they shouldn’t have been apprised of a former employee.

“Since it’s a former employee and an HR issue I shouldn’t have notification. Unless there was legal action,” Ogorchock responded.

Ford is “an ex-employee who doesn’t and never did answer to the council,” Barbanica stated. “We’re not apprised of every internal investigation that occurs.”

Hernandez-Thorpe and Councilwomen Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson were also contacted separately with the same questions. Additionally, Torres-Walker was asked about the email she received from Julia Ford. But the mayor and two other council members did not respond prior to publication time.

Hernandez-Thorpe Questioned Without Response

Hernandez-Thorpe was asked separately why he found it necessary to send the city manager’s email about the matter to the media and if it was to derail Ford’s chance to return as police chief. The mayor was also asked if it was a revenge move of payback against Ford and what had happened between the two of them since the mayor had heaped praise on him during his grandiose oath of office ceremony when Ford was first appointed as Antioch’s interim police chief.

During that ceremony, Hernandez-Thorpe said about Ford, “Today, marks a new day for the Antioch Police Department and for our city, Chief Ford is Mr. Police Reform, and I look forward to his leadership getting us past our small divisions and towards a collective and shared vision for our future as a city. So, congratulations, Chief Ford for joining us in the City of Antioch.” (See related article)

Finally, the current mayor, who was recently soundly defeated for re-election and whose last day in the position is next Tuesday, was asked, “Doesn’t your action now expose you and the City to a lawsuit by Steve potentially costing the City taxpayer dollars to pay for outside legal counsel?” and “Is this how you want to leave your position?”

He did not respond to the additional questions prior to publication time.

Public Records Act Requests

A Public Records Act request was made by the Herald for any and all emails from Nov. 27 through Tuesday, December 3, 2024, by and between Scott, Smith, Cortez and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, any other City of Antioch staff member and any council member, and any email communication by any city council and/or staff member with anyone at the East Bay Times or San Jose Mercury News regarding the allegations against Ford.

They were also asked on Wednesday, Dec. 4 to include any and all emails from council and City staff members to their own personal email accounts and to anyone else about the matter with Ford.

Finally, the four were asked if the release of the email by someone on the council or city staff to the media or anyone else about a former city employee, especially a sworn police officer expose the city and that individual to litigation by Ford.

Investigations of Police Misconduct Required by State Law

According to an article on the Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Legal Defense Fund website by Mike Rains, of law firm Rains, Lucia, Stern, St. Phalle & Silver, California state law, known as Senate Bill 2 (SB-2), requires the reporting and investigation of accusations about police misconduct. Rains serves as the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association, of which police chiefs are not allowed to be members.

The “new law establishes a requirement that peace officers in California be ‘certified’ by POST, to serve in that capacity, and provides a new mechanism by which POST may review an officer’s alleged commission of ‘serious misconduct.’ Of major significance is the ability of POST to now make a determination on whether to suspend or revoke the officer’s certification,” he wrote.

“Beginning January 1, 2023, pursuant to section 13510.8(c)(1), law enforcement agencies are responsible for the completion of investigations of “serious misconduct” even if the officer has resigned employment,” Rains’ article continues.

The article further shares, “Penal Code section 13510.9(a)(2) requires an officer’s employing agency to report to the Commission any complaintorallegation made against an officer that could result in suspension or revocation of an officer’s certification…any findingorrecommendation by a civilian oversight entity, including a civilian review board, civilian police commission, police chief or civilian inspector general, that an officer engaged in conduct subject to suspension or revocation” and “the final disposition of an investigation that determines an officer engaged in conduct that could result in suspension or revocation of certification, regardless of the discipline imposed.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.