Antioch names new acting police chief

ANTIOCH – Just days after the city reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to increase oversight, Antioch named a new acting police chief while it searches for someone to permanently lead its force.

On Tuesday, Antioch City Manager Bessie Marie Scott announced Capt. Joe Vigil will serve as the city’s new interim chief, replacing Brian Addington, who is set to re-retire. Vigil’s appointment will take effect starting Friday.

Scott said Vigil is dedicated, has served in various leadership roles within the department, and will continue to be a champion for reforms to reduce violence, engage the community, and strengthen the police ranks.

With Vigil in place, Scott said the city will conduct a robust nationwide search for a permanent police chief as part of the positive changes the city is seeking to make within its police department.

“We have engaged the services of recruiting firm Bob Hall and Associates,” said Scott during a press conference on Tuesday. “Our process is thorough, and we are looking for the best candidates to help lead our police department.”

Scott thanked Addington for his service as the city’s interim police chief and added that he has “provided guidance, wisdom, and a foundation” for the department’s continued growth.

“Chief Addington will still be involved, lending his support and input as we continue to move forward,” said Scott.

Addington retired as Pittsburg’s police chief in May 2022 but remained as the interim chief for several months until Capt. Steven Albanese was sworn in just a month later. Addington was appointed in early 2024 as Antioch’s interim chief amid FBI investigations involving racism and alleged corruption charges.

Addington said it was an honor to work alongside dedicated officers over the past year. He said his biggest priorities were bringing stability to the department and its hiring resources.

The Antioch Police Department currently has 80 sworn officers, 65 of whom are on active duty, and six more who will soon join the department.

Addington said he is optimistic that the department will achieve full staffing within a year. He said the increased number of officers has been vital in addressing crimes such as robberies, shootings, and stolen vehicles – a constant challenge for the city.

“We’ve also made strides in transparency and accountability, including our recent agreement with the United States Department of Justice,” said Addington. “There’s still work to do, but my message today is one of hope we will reach full staffing. We will build a reputation as a professional, constitutional police department, and we will put this dark chapter behind us, working together to fight crime and restore a sense of safety for all who live and work in the city of Antioch.”

Addington also thanked the city’s officers for their selfless service and acknowledged Vigil’s “unwavering commitment to constitutional policing and a strong focus on crime reduction strategies.”

“He truly cares about Antioch, and he has been working tirelessly to improve this city,” said Addington. “Having now worked alongside him, I can confidently say that he will lead this department in the right direction over the next five or six months as the national search for a permanent chief is underway.”

Vigil has 25 years of law enforcement experience, having worked with police departments in Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch.

When asked if he would apply for the city’s permanent police chief position, Vigil said he would if he could.

This will be Vigil’s second stint as Antioch’s acting police chief. He was first named to the position in 2023, following Steven Ford’s retirement. Vigil thanked Addington for his leadership and direction, adding that rebuilding the department was beneficial and meaningful.

Vigil said he will continue bolstering hiring and recruiting resources, deploy strategies to reduce crime, and work with city and community leaders.

“I am looking forward to working with the Department of Justice and making the police department better in every aspect possible, (in terms of) transparency, community trust, and crime reduction priorities,” said Vigil.

Mayor Ron Bernal said the appointment of Vigil and the search for a permanent chief is another step toward the city’s efforts to revamp and enhance public safety.

“Acting Chief Vigil is a dedicated public servant who shares the same vision of a safer and stronger Antioch,” said Bernal.

Bernal also thanked Addington for his leadership and “his heart to serve” Antioch during the city’s difficult times.

Bernal added the agreement with the Department of Justice also signals new beginnings for Antioch.

“We want our community to know that we are taking measurable steps in the right direction to address past abuses, bring the necessary leadership training, and gain accountability and transparency needed to heal our community,” said Bernal.