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| Photo By Robert Webber |
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On behalf of developer Arn Bortz, William Wallace accepts a faux check from Santa Bush, who rewards deserving fat cats.
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Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher and his boys have really stepped in it this time. A special report released Dec. 27 and headed to a federal judge declares the city in
material breach of the collaborative agreement on police reform. That finding could cost the city a bundle in new legal costs, especially if it leads to ending the agreement. But more important, the report details conduct by Streicher and Assistant Chief Richard Janke that is so disrespectful it seems tailor made to infuriate the judge. That, in turn, could lead to an even stricter oversight regimen than the one the police brass already find so meddlesome.
The independent monitor team headed by Saul Green serves as a special master in the collaborative agreement, reporting to the court on compliance by the parties involved. The city guaranteed the monitors unimpeded access to police documents and personnel.
But on Dec. 1 three members of the monitor team were barred from a management training session. That was the second time Streicher kept monitors from hearing him address members of the police department.
Later that day the monitors were scheduled to meet with Janke to discuss the collaborative agreement and the key concept for reforming the police department, called "community problem-oriented policing." But Janke was not in the mood to talk about it. Asked to comment on progress during the previous quarter, Janke hissed.
"Lt. Col. Janke responded that the question was so general he could not even respond," the special report says. "He also stated that the question was the stupidest question he had ever heard."
Janke allegedly proceeded to criticize the competence of the monitor team, saying they know nothing about police work and that the meetings were a waste of time. Scheduled for two hours, the monitors ended the fiasco after 60 minutes.
Two days later Rana Sampson, a member of the monitor team, was scheduled to ride along with Capt. Vince Demasi to discuss the Street Corner Narcotics Unit and observe police behavior at drug markets. Instead Streicher and Janke ganged up on Sampson, the special report says.
"Chief Streicher stated that he did not know what Ms. Sampson was doing in Cincinnati and at CPD," the report says. "He repeated the question, 'What are you doing here?' several times. Ms. Sampson began to state that she did not work for the chief and the chief repeated his question, 'What are you doing here?' "
The ride-along with Demasi had been scheduled since Nov. 22.
Janke allegedly pronounced this meeting, too, "a waste of time." At one point he demanded to know what the collaborative agreement has to do with drug markets and police work.
"Ms. Sampson responded that the collaborative agreement is highly specific" about the topic, the report says.
When Streicher refused to let Sampson ride along with Demasi, she left. Green, who heads the independent monitor team, called Streicher to ask for an explanation. After several hours without an answer, Green sent Streicher an e-mail. Three weeks later, he's still waiting for an answer.
"As of Dec. 27, Chief Streicher has not returned the monitor's phone call or e-mail," the special report says.
For the full report, visit www.gabsnet.com/ cincinnatimonitor.
Ho-Ho-Homelessness and Other Seasonal Treats
The Contact Center hosted Santa Bush last week. The less than generous old saint distributed tax breaks to the wealthy and holiday cards to Republican elves U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, Sen. George Voinovich and Rep. Steve Chabot. Skits and re-written carols helped reframe Christmas as a time to commit to just policies for vulnerable families, according to Katy Heins, spokeswoman for the Contact Center.
Santa Bush's appearance in front of the Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services came the day after Homeless Memorial Day was observed at Washington Park. The event featured a memorial fire in a barrel, the reading of names and lighting of candles for the homeless deceased, singing and reflection. Afterward local church youth groups passed out soup and warm clothing to those who needed them.
"It's great to see the community come together to help provide relief for the people experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati," said Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. "It's just unfortunate that we have to meet on such unfortunate terms. It's a tragedy that people continue to die homeless."
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