Antioch's Mayor Ron Bernal's proposal to temporarily halt the police oversight commission's operations faced legal challenges, as city attorney Kevin Kundinger explained that the council cannot direct the independent commission. The council can only suggest; any pause must be voted on unanimously by the commission members themselves. With the recent resignation of a commissioner, Bernal suggested the pause to ensure compliance with a DOJ agreement requiring at least five active members for continued reforms. Altering the commission's operation would involve amending city ordinances and thorough city staff research.
Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger clarified that while the Antioch City Council can request a pause of the police oversight commission, they do not have direct authority to enact it.
Kundinger said that changes to the police oversight commission would require a unanimous vote from its members, emphasizing the independent nature of the commission established by the city.
Mayor Ron Bernal proposed a pause in meetings until a replacement for a resigning commissioner is found, citing the need for compliance with a memorandum of understanding with the DOJ.
The memorandum of understanding mandates that the oversight commission have at least five members consistently for two years to support necessary reforms after recent upheavals in the police department.
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