ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch has reached a settlement agreement that strengthens accountability and transparency in the Antioch Police Department (APD) through updated policies, independent oversight, and measurable reporting. The agreement is structured to align with the U.S. Department of Justice Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) governing APD reforms.
The settlement is associated with Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court, Northern District of California (Case No. 3:23-cv-01895-TSH).
The settlement is subject to court approval.
The settlement will be administered by the same independent consultant responsible for oversight under the U.S. DOJ MOA to ensure coordinated implementation and consistent monitoring.
The independent consultant will oversee APD’s implementation of the settlement’s provisions, including providing technical assistance, reviewing affected policies, and issuing regular reports on APD’s progress toward substantial compliance. The independent consultant will also ensure APD remains in substantial compliance for the required period of time. If APD is not making adequate progress, the monitor may seek further orders of the court to compel compliance.
The independent consultant is required to report to the City Council every six months. Reports to Council will be public. The City also anticipates public reporting related to community engagement/community policing efforts and statistics on traffic stops and police interactions related to use of force.
“This settlement agreement reinforces the reform work already underway, ensures sustainable transparency measures, and updates core policies to modernize how APD continues to provide constitutional policing services to the residents of Antioch,” said City Manager Bessie Marie Scott.
“This agreement will ensure we continue prioritizing the community and safety,” said Chief of Police Joe Vigil. “We will continue working towards greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement as we work through this agreement.”
Key elements of the settlement include:
Expanded transparency and oversight
- Data collection and analysis requirements
- Audits and reviews
- Reporting requirements to track progress and compliance
Policy and procedure updates to modernize APD operations
- Non-discriminatory policing
- Use of force, including canine deployment
- Hiring and promotions
- Complaint intake, review, and resolution
- Supervisor responsibilities and accountability
- Police officer communications
- Body-worn camera use
Community engagement
- Provisions to expand APD’s community engagement and support accountability through public-facing practices.
The City will provide additional information as implementation milestones are established.
Related
- Sept. 2025 – Antioch Police to Provide Crime Data, DOJ Compliance Update
- Jan 3, 2025 – DOJ Reaches Agreement with Antioch, Resolving Race Discrimination Investigation
