FOP Pres Ken Kober - Theetge Fired
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In this episode of 'Learn the Hard Way,' host Brian Thomas interviews Ken Kober, president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Cincinnati, following the sudden termination of Police Chief DG by City Manager Cheryl Long. Kober expresses deep skepticism about the justification for the firing, criticizing the lack of transparency, the use of an outside law firm to investigate, and the retroactive nature of the allegations. He highlights inconsistencies in the city manager's claims—such as the chief's alleged insubordination and failure to attend a public safety meeting—arguing that these issues were not addressed during her tenure and now appear to be manufactured to justify a politically motivated removal. Kober also challenges the city manager's interference in operational decisions like mandatory overtime and staffing, emphasizing that these are the chief’s domain. He further critiques the subjective nature of 'public opinion' as a basis for termination, suggesting it's a tool to scapegoat leaders before elections. The conversation underscores broader concerns about accountability, the erosion of police leadership autonomy, and the need for elected officials to be involved in high-stakes personnel decisions. The episode ends with a call to action for citizens to support a charter change petition led by Councilman Christopher Smitherman to increase council oversight of police chief appointments and dismissals.
City managers should not dictate daily operational decisions like overtime or staffing—these are the chief’s responsibility.
Allegations of insubordination and poor performance should have been addressed during the chief’s tenure, not retroactively.
The use of 'public opinion' as a basis for termination is subjective and politically exploitable.
Forcing officers to work mandatory overtime in low-crime areas undermines morale and may drive staff away.
Council oversight of police chief appointments and dismissals could improve transparency and accountability.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Intros and Teasers
Multiple podcast intros are aired, including 'The Clifford Show,' 'Learn the Hard Way,' 'Look Back at It,' and 'Love Trapped,' promoting each with their respective hosts and platforms.
Ken Kober on Chief DG's Termination
“I just, again, it sounds like going back and trying to reinvent circumstances or now create circumstances that they say she was, you know, well, misfeasance or malfeasance or whatever, just to justify the termination.”
Critique of City Manager's Operational Overreach
“You know, it is what it is. And, you know, that's the neat part is she's going to be able to stand behind what this data says because they have it. So the question is going to become is why were you? Why did you want cops to work in an area that wasn't experiencing a spike in crime?”
The School Board Conflict and Public Perception
“They did not like the fact that she wanted to hold these leaders accountable for their inaction. And somehow that's her fault.”
Call for Charter Reform and Council Oversight
“Any time you can allow council, which, of course, is elected by the citizens of the city, to be able to make these decisions. And you're talking about it would take seven out of the nine council members to do this.”
“You know, it is what it is. And, you know, that's the neat part is she's going to be able to stand behind what this data says because they have it. So the question is going to become is why were you? Why did you want cops to work in an area that wasn't experiencing a spike in crime?”
“This is a rather disturbing and subjective metric, isn't it? Oh, without a doubt. And, of course, they do it designed that way. That way they can try to find a scapegoat, especially a couple weeks before an election.”
“I just, again, it sounds like going back and trying to reinvent circumstances or now create circumstances that they say she was, you know, well, misfeasance or malfeasance or whatever, just to justify the termination.”
Host
Guest
Police Chief DG
person
Cheryl Long
person
Ken Kober
person
Brian Thomas
person
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
organization
Christopher Smitherman
person
Cincinnati Public School Board
organization
Mayor Aftab Perlwell
person
55KRC
organization
Jeff Kramiding
person
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