The police department in the Northern California city of Antioch has agreed to be monitored by federal officials for five years after reports of racist and sexist texts by officers drew outrage and led to a civil rights investigation.
As part of the agreement, announced by the Justice Department on Friday, a law enforcement consulting firm will review and update the Bay Area police department’s policies on hiring and training, use of force, community policing and other areas.
“A police department that discriminates based on race and other protected classes undermines both public safety and public confidence,” Ismail J. Ramsey, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, said in a news release. “Today’s agreement will help ensure that policing in Antioch is done constitutionally and will help restore public trust.”…