Former APD Leader Fired for Alleged Domestic Violence Loses Appeal
Jonathan Kringen, who was previously a prominent figure at the Austin Police Department tasked with analyzing crime data, has failed in his attempt to overturn his termination following a daylong hearing at the Municipal Civil Service Commission on Sept. 9.
Kringen was brought on board in 2020 as APD’s chief data officer and later became known for his involvement in the partnership between APD and the Department of Public Safety. During this period, he presented data at various City Council meetings to support DPS’ presence, which stirred controversy.
However, Kringen’s firing in April was not related to his work on the DPS partnership. Instead, it came as a result of his arrest on domestic violence charges in late 2023, a case that is still pending. Despite appealing his termination, which could have led to his reinstatement at APD or a transfer to a similar role in another department, the commission ultimately rejected his appeal.
During MCSC hearings, dismissed city employees have the opportunity to argue that their termination was unjust and seek reinstatement. While these meetings are typically held in public, participants can request private sessions, which was the case for Kringen and his attorney Brad Heilman. They cited the sensitive nature of the evidence to be discussed as the basis for their request, which was not opposed by the city’s attorneys.
As a result, details of what transpired during the hearing and the reasons behind the commission’s decision remain undisclosed. Those familiar with the MCSC appeal process liken the hearings to civil trials, where the terminated employee acts as the plaintiff, attempting to persuade the commissioners (the jury) that the city (the defendant) terminated them unfairly, in violation of Municipal Civil Service rules. Each side is given two hours to present their case, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify, resembling a courtroom trial.
While the specifics of the hearing remain undisclosed, it is known that several members of APD’s executive staff, including Interim Chief Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt, Assistant Chief Lee Rogers, and Victim Services Director Kachina Clark, were sworn in as witnesses during the public portion of the meeting.
The denial of Kringen’s appeal has raised questions about the handling of misconduct within the APD and the overall accountability of leadership within the department. The case has also sparked discussions around the transparency of such proceedings and the need for greater public oversight in matters concerning the conduct of law enforcement officials.
The incident involving Kringen sheds light on the challenges faced by organizations in addressing allegations of misconduct, particularly when they involve high-ranking individuals within the hierarchy. It underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability at all levels of an organization, regardless of the individual’s position or influence.
The Impact of Allegations on Organizational Culture
The allegations of domestic violence against Kringen have undoubtedly had a significant impact on the organizational culture within the Austin Police Department. The incident has raised concerns about the behavior and conduct of senior officials within the department, and has prompted discussions about the measures in place to address such misconduct.
Instances of domestic violence involving law enforcement officers are particularly troubling, as they not only reflect poorly on the individual officer but also on the department as a whole. Such cases can erode public trust in law enforcement agencies and undermine the credibility of the entire organization.
The handling of Kringen’s case and the subsequent denial of his appeal have implications for the organizational culture within APD. It sends a message that misconduct, especially of a serious nature like domestic violence, will not be tolerated within the department. By upholding the termination of Kringen, the commission has reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and accountability among its personnel.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The case of Jonathan Kringen serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. It highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct and the significance of transparency in such processes.
Moving forward, it is essential for organizations like the Austin Police Department to prioritize integrity and ethical behavior among its leadership and personnel. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and maintaining a culture of transparency, agencies can foster trust and confidence within the community they serve.
In conclusion, the denial of Jonathan Kringen’s appeal following allegations of domestic violence underscores the commitment of the Austin Police Department to upholding high standards of conduct and accountability. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies and the need for transparency in addressing allegations of misconduct.
