ANTIOCH, California – The five-year agreement announced this Friday by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) outlines reforms to ensure non-discriminatory policing practices.
The DOJ agreement with the Antioch Police Department aims to address racial discrimination and rebuild public trust after a federal investigation revealed unacceptable practices within the department. Background of the Investigation
The DOJ’s investigation was prompted by reports of discriminatory text communications allegedly exchanged by dozens of Antioch police officers between September 2019 and January 2022. The text messages contained racist content, sparking outrage and a comprehensive federal inquiry.
The Antioch Police Department referred to the actions that led to the investigation as “unacceptable.” Three former police officers, Morteza Amiri, Eric Rombough, and Devon Christopher Wenger, who were at the center of the text messaging scandal, are set to stand trial this year. They face multiple charges, including civil rights violations.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Under the agreement, the Antioch Police Department will:
- Hire an independent expert consultant to review and update policies, procedures, and training.
- Implement training programs focused on non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, misconduct investigations, discipline, community policing, and language access.
- Undergo five years of data collection, reporting, and departmental monitoring.
- Incorporate a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission in ensuring accountability and compliance.
U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “A police department that discriminates based on race and other protected classes undermines both public safety and public confidence. Today’s agreement will help ensure that policing in Antioch is done constitutionally and will help restore public trust.”
A Step Toward Reform
The Antioch Police Department pledged to move forward with integrity, stating, “We acknowledge that trust is earned, not given, and this agreement marks a meaningful step forward.” The department also confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing independent investigation by the California Department of Justice (CADOJ) into its practices.
Former Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, who played a pivotal role in advocating for reforms, praised the agreement as a significant milestone. “My term as mayor was focused on making Antioch a safer city by addressing the longstanding mistrust between the public and the Antioch Police Department. As a result of today’s agreement, I am proud to say that my administration has successfully achieved its objective of reforming the culture of racism that has plagued the Antioch Police Department for decades,” he said.
Restoring Public Confidence
The five-year agreement is part of a broader effort led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division to reform discriminatory practices and rebuild trust in Antioch’s police force. The reforms aim to ensure that all residents are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of race or background.
This agreement marks a turning point for Antioch, as both the city and its police department work toward fostering an inclusive and equitable law enforcement culture.
