ANTIOCH — The Antioch Police Oversight Commission, which had been operating with only four members, is set to welcome two new commissioners in a move to comply with an agreement between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring police oversight under the 25-page memorandum of understanding between Antioch and the federal body. The agreement requires at least five out of the seven oversight commission members to serve continuously for two years to fulfill mandated reforms.
The deal with the Justice Department was established following scandals and alleged criminal activities that have impacted the Antioch Police Department.
The new commissioners were unanimously appointed by the Antioch City Council on March 25. Susan E. Kennedy and Lisa Elekwachi will fill vacancies that follow the February resignation of Commissioner Leslie May. After May had stepped down, the commission was left with four members.
The duo were among eight applicants the city considered to fill the partial-term vacancies, which will expire in November 2026.
According to the city, Elekwachi is a project manager with the San Francisco Emergency Management Department. She has a background in mental health, managed care, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and public safety. She has over 20 years of experience working in public safety, 12 of which were as a dispatcher and supervisor in the 911 system for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
According to a staff report, Elekwachi said she understands what to expect of law enforcement personnel and what it means to be a civilian.
“As a unit manager, I have advocated on behalf of citizens by making process changes in the Custodian of Records unit to ensure Freedom of Information Act requests and subpoenas consistently meet California Public Records Act, and Sunshine mandates,” said Elekwachi. “I am uniquely aware of law enforcement’s role of walking the tight rope between upholding the law, following departmental general orders while managing public perceptions.”
Kennedy, a senior policy advisor and law enforcement coordinator for a member of the House of Representatives, started her professional career as a teacher and basketball coach, according to the city. She spent 23 years working with the city of South San Francisco. The first 14 were in public education and disaster preparedness training and planning for the city as a member of the fire department. She then worked as the city manager’s assistant.
“I would like to be able to contribute positively to the police department’s efforts to rebuild relationships within the community. I would like to be involved in addressing the perception the community has of our department and the steps needed to shift that perception to one that is more positive,” said Kennedy. “I would like to bring my perspective as someone who has worked within the general public safety arena to help the community better understand the various roles and responsibilities within the department.”
Porsche Taylor, chairperson of the oversight commission, said the two new members will be sworn in at the commission’s next meeting on April 7.
The oversight commission has been plagued with uncertainties and threats to independence. Previously, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal proposed a pause to the commission’s meetings until at least June while the city found a replacement for May.
Bernal had requested the pause to ensure commissioners had comprehensive training, developed rules of decorum, and there was funding to equip the body with needed tools.
However, the proposal hit a snag as a city ordinance does not allow the council to direct the committee to do so, and it is up to the commissioners to decide “in their own power” whether it would be in their best interest to take a pause.
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