RICHMOND — A seven-month city probe of racism allegations against Richmond police Chief Chris Magnus and a deputy chief ended this week, prompting strident comments from those few allowed to review the report. "The council received the report and reviewed the findings," acting City Attorney Louise Renne said. "And based on their review, the City Council determined that it has full confidence in Chris Magnus as the chief of police and in the job he is doing." The council formally reserved judgment about Magnus and Deputy Chief Lori Ritter in December, after black members of the police command staff accused the two of racial discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Their complaint, memorialized in a March lawsuit filed in Contra Costa Superior Court, includes allegations that Magnus made racist jokes, gave biased performance reviews and snubbed them by promoting Ritter to deputy chief. Magnus repeatedly denied all allegations. He said Tuesday that he does not know the contents of the report, prepared by former California State Bar president Raymond Marshall. "I haven't been briefed as to the findings, but I have been told that I enjoy the full confidence of the City Council and the city manager, which is good news," Magnus said. Attorneys representing the lawsuit's plaintiffs — Capts. Cleveland Brown, Alec Griffin and Eugene McBride; Lts. Michael Booker, Shawn Pickett, Johan Simon and Arnold Threets; and Sgt. Jim Jenkins — did not return calls Tuesday. SOURCE OF THIS STORY
When Oakland's homicide count in 2006 reached its highest total in more than a decade, The Chronicle expanded its coverage with this multimedia project. It tells the stories of those who have died and those who have been left behind. Click on the links on the right to access audio clips, podcasts, slideshows, videos and photos. Mary Lee Dunbar cries at the funeral of her grandson, Wayne Gordon Jr., 18, one of more than 140 people killed this year in Oakland. Photo by Lacy Atkins. SEE THIS AMAZING STORY
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