Antioch – deeply injured by a difficult past, antioche residents are ready to move on while the city is looking for a new police chief who can rebuild trust, ensure responsibility and adopt community police.
Maria Cassandra Quinto-Collins, Angelo Quinto’s mother, who died a few days after an meeting with the Antioch police in 2020, said her family had been affected by the actions of law enforcement agents.
During a recent community recruitment meeting, she stressed that the next police chief should have integrity and be empathetic, not only towards his own officers, but also to the public.
“I say that because my family was affected and the head of the previous police, when the story of my son Angelo came, the first thing he said was that we wanted to earn money from the death of my son, and that hurts,” said an emotional quinto-collins without specifying the name of the chief. “I don’t think I will never forget what happened to my son, and I don’t want any family to go through what we have gone through … You know, it’s been almost five years, but (pain) will never disappear.”
To help in search of the city of a new leader for its police forces, community engagement meetings were organized by Bob Hall and Associates, a recruitment company.
Captain Joe Vigil is currently the city’s interim leader. He replaced Brian Addington, who recently re -managed.
Other participants in a recent meeting underlined the need for a chief who includes the gravity of the history of Antioch with his police service and is committed to changing real.
Former Antioch police supervision commissioner, Leslie May, said that she would like to see a leader who “speaks gently but wears a big stick”, who takes responsibility seriously.
“I also want to see a leader who is very comfortable working with people of all colors, cultures and who is aware of the different groups of people. We have a crucible here, ”said May.
She also hopes that the next chef focuses on training resources for training.
“I want to see a chief who is not a tyrant, but who will make sure that he has everything he needs for checks and counterweights to set up, and make sure that the needs of residents are met,” said May.
Many feared that the previous leaders have swept the problems under the carpet, allowing the police with complaints to mistreat to continue serving the community without repercussions.
“They cannot enter and hit the soil running, but there are many stakeholders. We are all looking for this carpet … things we want to approach. They will probably not all be able to be sent right away, but if this person has integrity, I will agree with that, “said an unnamed resident.
Participants also stressed the importance of hiring a leader with an experience in the urban police, someone who includes antioche challenges, such as homelessness, crime and continuous racial tensions.
Some said they were frustrated to see the constant “dehumanization” of the non -Doussi population. They would like the next chef to approach the issue with dignity and respect.
The main recruiter Joe Gorton said that his team from Bob Hall and the partners will present the comments of stakeholders such as confessional associations, companies, police associations and the three community forums to the municipal director of Antioch, Bessie Marie Scott, who will ultimately take the hiring decision.
In January and February, the firm launched a national recruitment for the next Antioch chief and now projects requests to select closely aligned candidates on the desired qualifications of the city.
An advertisement on the website of the International Police Association indicates that the city is looking for someone who is “deeply determined to promote the confidence, commitment and security of the community”.
According to the post, the applicant should be a seasoned leader with a proven assessment of the establishment of relations with various communities and “a champion of ethical police services”, prioritizing transparency, responsibility and equity. The city is also looking for someone who has a vast experience and has an avant-garde approach to the police, open communication, empathy and understanding the unique needs and challenges of the community.
The city offers remuneration, a set of benefits and a monthly salary varying between $ 18,821 and $ 22,876.
Gorton said that his team would carry out screening interviews and that the selected candidates will go to the official selection process, where they will be questioned by three panels in April.
The panels include professionals, community members and city staff. They will provide comments to Scott on whom they believe they are the most qualified candidate. Scott will then interview the finalists and carry out an additional community assessment before a final decision is made.
“I expect this decision to be made in April. Once the hiring is over, the work will be offered to the candidate and the city will conduct substantive investigations, “said Gorton, noting that a new chef could go on board in May.
California Daily Newspapers
