In a move reminiscent of a poorly timed group text, the US Justice Department has stepped in to rectify the Antioch Police Department's texting scandal, which featured racist messages and excessive force discussions among officers.

The US Justice Department's recent agreement with the Antioch Police Department aims to curb the fallout from a texting scandal that would make even the most reckless group chat cringe. Under this plan, the department will hire a consultant to revamp its policing policies and ensure fair treatment for all—because, shockingly, texting racially-charged messages is not considered best practice in law enforcement. This intervention comes after a 2023 report uncovered a slew of offensive texts exchanged among officers while also highlighting the department's penchant for excessive force, prompting federal monitoring for the next five years to ensure that 'oops' messages like these don’t become a habit.

The Justice Department's agreement means that the Antioch Police Department will be under close scrutiny, like a reality show contestant's every move. The bulk of the oversight will focus on non-discriminatory policing and the appropriate use of force, two vital components of any law enforcement mission that had apparently fallen through the cracks in Antioch. Echoing words from the Justice Department, the city intends to ensure such incidents become a relic of the past as they embark on this modernization effort. One would hope that a refresher course on what constitutes acceptable texting behavior is included in their revamped training programs.

To put it mildly, the community did not take the revelation of these texts lying down. The backlash was fierce, resulting in protests that captivated the attention of local and national media alike. Activists didn’t simply push for reform; they threatened civil rights lawsuits against the police department, which may explain the urgency behind the Justice Department’s intervention. Being embroiled in a texting scandal and facing potential lawsuits can often have a way of focusing one's priorities, much like a sudden expiration notice from the landlord for not paying rent.

The drama of this situation began with some rather unsavory texts exchanged between officers between late 2019 and early 2022. Who knew that officers tasked with keeping the peace would engage in a digital exchange similar to that of a middle school clique? The messages, laden with racist slurs and abuse, revealed an unfortunate culture—one that officers of good standing would likely prefer to forget. And no wonder! Finding hope in a group chat filled with ugliness is much like finding a needle in a haystack, to put it mildly.

Compounding the issue is the fact that three officers have been charged with federal civil rights violations stemming from these incidents of excessive force. As the trial date approaches in February, there’s a possibility that we might see the soap opera continue in the courtroom, as it appears the Antioch Police Department’s social media style has shifted remarkably from 'friendly banter' to 'charged conversations.' Public interest soars, and local residents hold their breath, eager to witness whether justice will be served or if it’s just another day in the court of appearances.

The Justice Department’s involvement signals that the Antioch Police Department is not simply getting a slap on the wrist, a form of punishment that often resembles being told 'please don't do that again.’ Instead, it's a five-year agreement complete with federal monitoring—probably along the lines of a tough love intervention for the wayward department. Antioch officials are likely examining their processes with a fine-tooth comb as they wrestle with redoing their policies, procedures, and training, acknowledging—a little too late—that such texts do not foster community respect. It’s hard to hold out hope for accountability when your text history reads like a poorly scripted sitcom.

As reiterated by the Antioch Police Department, the importance of trust and accountability is now their top priority. Whether that’s achieved will likely depend on the efficacy of their future operations and possibly even the effectiveness of those consultations they’ve so eagerly agreed to. One can hope that as they navigate these changes, officers will trade in their divisive static for genuine engagement with all members of the community, instead of continuing along an archaic, outdated social narrative. After all, there's no need for policing to turn into another episode of 'What Not to Text.'