By Tony Hicks. Bay City News.
Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford on Thursday condemned racist and homophobic texts circulated among dozens of Antioch police officers that were made public earlier this month as part of investigations by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.
"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the racially abhorrent content and incomprehensible behavior attributed to members of the Antioch Police Department in media reports," Ford said in a statement.
"I have taken immediate steps to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted by an outside independent entity and that the community is not exposed to any individual questioned by this report," the chief said.
At least eight Antioch officers were suspended last year during the ongoing investigation into civil rights violations and other police misconduct.
Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe said last week that “several” officers were suspended because of the alleged text messages. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Thorpe said the number of officers involved was up to 24.
"On behalf of our organization, I apologize to the Antioch community for the harm caused by this hateful speech. I pledge to hold accountable officers who express racist or bigoted beliefs, biased insensitivity, and those who brag about harming members of the community," Ford said Thursday.
Ford also thanked investigators “for their work in helping us identify the sickening disease of racism and other incompatible behaviors within our ranks. We will continue to cooperate fully with their efforts as we take practical steps to restore community trust in our organization.”
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
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