Police department making progress in Antioch agreement with DOJ, official says

"I think it's also important to remember that what we're trying to do here is not just to check these boxes off, it's really building a sustainable culture with the police department, and that takes time, said Sappal. He said the change in Antioch is going to happen a little faster than normal as the police department and the city are channeling their resources needed to ensure that."

"One of the requirements of the agreement pertains to policies, directives, and training, which are being reviewed by the police department with robust input from various parties, including the California Department of Justice, Sappal said. Some of the policies under review focus on high-priority policies such as use of force, bias-based policing, and canine policies. Once the policies are approved by the working group, they will be passed to Antioch Police Department Chief Joe Vigil for input."

"Sappal, who is tasked with reviewing and updating policies to ensure the department is in compliance with the agreement, was appointed in May. The deadlines of some tasks, such as community engagement, self-assessment by the police department, and the department's language access plans, have been pushed to a later timeline due to the delay, Sappal said. He assured that the Department of Justice is aware of the matter."

Antioch is working toward compliance with a U.S. Department of Justice agreement requiring increased police oversight. A consultant jointly selected by the DOJ, the city and the police department was appointed in May to review and update policies. Timelines for community engagement, departmental self-assessment, and language access plans were delayed due to the late consultant appointment and have been pushed back. Policy review efforts focus on high-priority areas including use of force, bias-based policing, and canine policies, with robust input from multiple parties. Approved policies will move through the chief, city attorney, city manager and then the DOJ for final review.

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