Chief of Police Steven Ford of the Antioch Police Department announced his retirement Wednesday.
Amid the scandal, several cases were dropped and officers were placed on leave. California's Attorney General's Office has an ongoing civil rights investigation into the department and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has been urged by House Congressmembers to launch a Justice Department probe into the allegations.
Nearly half of the department has been implicated in the texting scandal and several have been suspended and one fired. At least three have lawsuits filed against them, and another has been charged with crimes."I attribute our numerous accomplishments to support from the City Council, the tremendous Citizens of Antioch, and the talented members of this Police Department, who continue to embrace organizational changes with enthusiasm and dedication.
Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford faces an uphill battle with a few dozen officers on leave amid a racist text messaging scandal and far fewer officers on patrol. Currently, 38 officers are on administrative leave and just 34 are actively patrolling the streets, Ford said.
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