On Saturday, the Antioch Police Officers Association released a statement in response to a KRON4 story that included a statement by Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford.
Saturday, here is the statement released by the Antioch Police Officers Association:
The APOA was alarmed to learn of a recent news report by KRON4 that in part covered a written statement by Chief Ford. In that statement, Chief Ford is quoted as comparing the APOA’s efforts to be transparent as “circus like antics.” Out of concern, we reached out to Chief Ford. What’s more alarming is Chief Ford confirmed he never spoke with anyone from KRON4 or issued a statement of any kind to anyone. We have learned the Department has reached out to KRON4 who is in the process of rectifying the issues; however, in the meantime we felt it prudent to share this information with our community! The APOA enjoys a healthy relationship with Chief Ford and we strongly support his mission and goals for the department, prioritizing community relationships and public safety.
Loren Bledsoe
APOA Vice President
KRON4 credited a statement to Chief Steve Ford claiming he worked with Chief Strategic Officer Rolando Bonilla to distribute to the community while stating he was troubled by the Antioch Police Union’s attempt to create divisions for the sake of maintain the status quo.
“I am troubled by the Antioch Police Union’s attempt to create division or the sake of maintaining the status quo. Their circus like antics will not in any way interfere with the necessary reforms I am undertaking within the Antioch Police Department.”
The APOA says they spoke directly with Chief Ford who says he never made the comments which prompted the APOA to issue the Saturday statement and release the memo from Chief Ford to the public.
In an email to KRON4, Lt. Michael Mellone stated he spoke with Chief Steve Ford who said he never wrote a statement to KRON4 and has recused himself on the matter purposely–he also issued corrections to KRON4 on his letter to the community regarding recent burglaries and response times. He also said in the email that you call him so he can inquire why this statement is being attributed to his name. Mellone also request, on behalf of the chief, to retract this statement being attributed to his name.
The KRON4 story also prompted Ford to issue a statement to the police department stating he had no correspondence of any kind to any news media outlet. It is unclear who authorized the quote from Chief Ford or if it was created on his behalf.
The APOA provided multiple photographs, because KRON 4 News has since removed the unauthorized statement.
KRON4 has since updated their story to say: This story has been updated to remove a statement attributed to Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford that the chief said was provided by an unauthorized spokesperson.
Editors Note: text messages and an email to Chief Ford have not been returned as of 12:45 pm Saturday. As of Saturday, it is unclear who authorized the quote from Chief Ford or if it was created on his behalf or if it was just made up.
1 comment
This sounds more along the lines of what the mayor said to KTVU. Not word for word but basically the same.
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