Antioch to Pause Police Oversight Commission Until June

by CC News February 12, 2025

written by CC News February 12, 2025

On Tuesday, Mayor Ron Bernal announced a “pause” on the Antioch Police Oversight Commission until June to set up the commission for success.

The move comes as Leslie May resigned on Monday leaving the commission without a quorum and unable to meet—which also places the commission out of compliance with the DOJ settlement. The pause comes less than a year after the commission was seated and held their first meeting on March 18, 2024.

Bernal issued the following statement during his mayor comments:

“With the resignation of Ms. May from the APOC, as Councilmember Torres-Walker mentioned, we are down to 4 members which is out of compliance. I am going to be proposing a pause on the meetings for that group until June while we do a few things to get that group in order,” stated Bernal. “One of them is recruiting three new people to serve on that commission which is very important. I’d also like to take a look at the ordinance to the extent to make sure it meets the current needs of our community, coincides with the DOJ settlement that we have with the United States Government and that its something that works well for our vision moving forward as a city. We are also going to be developing rules of decorum.”

Bernal said they have a city council retreat next week where they will work on that—along with developing council priorities. He said the decorum would be applicable to all commissions and boards once adopted through Resolution, including the city council and people who participate in meetings.

“I also want to make sure we have adequate funding for the APOC to make sure they are getting the training and everything they need so that when we do hit the ground running again when we start that back up again in June or so that it is fully functioning group of individuals who are running it.”

Bernal added he was not going to make any recommendations on the current members as far as removing them stating he thought they were doing a “fine job” and was grateful for what they were doing.

“Their work will continue on the ad-hocs’ that they are working on while we are in the process of getting the full commission back together,” said Bernal who said he would bring something back at the next council meeting to formalize what they are planning to do so it was more clear to the community and police oversight commission.

Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker asked if there was a penalty for not having the commission meet until June.

Bernal said they have had discussions with the US Department of Justice who appear open to ensure the commission is fully staffed and functioning and did not appear to have an issue with the pause but would confirm later this week.

Antioch Police Oversight Commission

Later during public comments, APOC Vice Chair Devin Williams read a prepared statement Porshe Taylor stating they supported the temporary pause to ensure all commissioners receive the training necessary to effectively serve the community.

“This pause is not about slowing down the work, its about ensuring we are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to hold systems accountable and navigate for real change,” said Williams noting commissioners will continue vital work through their ad-hoc committees. “This pause isn’t a step back, its an intentional move to strengthen the foundation, our mission to push for accountability, transparency and justice in Antioch unwavering. We remain committed to moving forward and doing the work of our community expects and deserves.”

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