Antioch close to filling police oversight positions

"ANTIOCH In an effort to meet requirements in a deal between the city and U.S. Department of Justice, two members of the Antioch Police Oversight Commission were added Tuesday to the oversight body. The Antioch City Council unanimously voted to reappoint Porshe Taylor, the commission's former chairperson, to a three-year term that expires in 2028. Her previous term ended in November 2025. The council also approved the appointment of Josiah Ben-Oni Graham to fill a partial-term vacancy that expires in November."

"Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker recommended that the council hear from each candidate before making an appointment. I mean, it's up to the council, obviously, but I would like to hear from each candidate before we appoint, said Torres-Walker. I'm just throwing this out there, maybe we don't appoint Mr. Addison tonight until he can actually come to the council and speak to the public about why he wants to be appointed to the commission, and what he thinks he could add."

"The seven-member commission plays a pivotal role in overseeing police reforms required under a memorandum of understanding between the city and the Justice Department. The agreement requires at least five of the seven members to serve continuously for two years to ensure mandated reforms are implemented. The deal was established following scandals and alleged criminal activities that have impacted the Antioch Police Department."

Antioch City Council reappointed Porshe Taylor to a three-year term through 2028 and appointed Josiah Ben-Oni Graham to a partial-term vacancy expiring in November. A separate nomination for Addison M. Peterson was put on hold because Peterson was not present at the meeting. Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker requested that each candidate be allowed to speak to the council and public before appointments. The seven-member oversight commission is responsible for implementing police reforms under a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Justice, which requires at least five members to serve continuously for two years. The commission experienced instability in 2025 after two resignations, including Leslie May leaving following allegations of contentious interactions with city officials.

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