FREMONT, Ohio — Fremont police chief Derek Wensinger will serve a five-day suspension and receive a first-offense violation for failing to follow city policy.
Fremont Mayor Daniel Sanchez made the decision following an administrative meeting with Wensinger and Safety Service Director Kenneth Frost on Wednesday, according to a media release sent Thursday.
A name-clearing hearing was scheduled for Friday to discuss Wensinger's alleged insubordination, dishonesty and failure to maintain good behavior.
According to department documents, Wensinger allegedly provided unsatisfactory service during his probationary period. He's also accused of failure of good behavior and insubordination.
Through a public records request, WTOL 11 learned Wensinger told another officer they would have a hard time in law enforcement because of their race and gender in April 2022.
Wensinger was appointed to the position in June 2022 after the former chief retired.
Department documents show Wensinger was told not to make those comments again, Frost explaining "the negative impacts of micro-aggressive statements. He defended his comment to the officer by saying 'but it's true.'" Wensinger reportedly made the same comments again in November.
"In the meeting, we discussed and reaffirmed the City's position of refraining from making micro-aggressive statements," Sanchez said in a media release.
After considering information provided by Wensinger, Sanchez said, a first-offense violation for "Neglect of or careless failure to serve employer rules, regulation, policies and procedures" was issued.
Other allegations have been dismissed and Wensinger will serve a five-day suspension as the outcome of the meeting.
"During the meeting, Chief Wensinger spoke regarding the importance for the community to understand the complex barriers faced by those who represent historically marginalized populations," Sanchez said. "In his systemic reform of action entitled 'Next Level Policing,' Chief Wensinger will implement inclusive department strategies to continue the forward momentum of the police department's vision 'to provide a safe city for all people.'"
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