Summary of "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds" - Episode 663: Chicago's Best Cop

Podcast Overview

Title: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Host/Authors: Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Description: Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds pick a subject from history and examine it.
Episode: 663 - Chicago's Best Cop
Release Date: December 17, 2024

In Episode 663 of "The Dollop," titled "Chicago's Best Cop," Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the tumultuous life and career of Charles "Charlie" Nerdum, a notorious figure in Chicago's law enforcement history. The episode intricately weaves historical events with comedic banter, showcasing Charlie's rise and fall within various policing agencies, his interactions with labor movements, and his ultimate descent into infamy.

Early Life and Entry into Law Enforcement

Charlie Nerdum, originally Carl Nerdrum, was born in Norway in 1857. At the age of 11, he emigrated to the United States with his family, settling in Chicago. The Nerdrum family, consisting of Carl, his siblings, and a live-in servant girl, faced financial hardships following the death of Carl's father when Charlie was 12. This tragedy compelled Charlie to leave school and start working as a molder, following his older brother Viggo.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Reynolds [08:15]: "The family also has a live-in servant girl. So when Carl's 11, they moved to the US and they settled in Chicago because where else would you go?"

Joining the Chicago Police Department

Charlie joined the Chicago Police Department in his early adulthood. Initially, he was well-liked by his peers and garnered praise for his dedication. However, his career was soon marred by instances of brutality and misconduct.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony [13:06]: "He marries Augusta Weber. They have a daughter who dies within 10 months, and then they have four more alive daughters."

First Incidents of Brutality and Subsequent Firings

Charlie's aggressive nature led to multiple confrontations with both civilians and fellow officers. His first significant misconduct involved mistreating a prisoner, resulting in his firing from the police force. However, within a week, he was rehired, illustrating the department's tepid stance on accountability unless public outrage forced their hand.

Notable Quotes:

Dave Anthony [14:07]: "So he is liked by fellow cops, but then after a few months, he gets fired for mistreating a prisoner."

Gareth Reynolds [14:28]: "He's a bad boy. We're just giving him a grounding."

Involvement with the Pinkertons and Labor Struggles

In 1887, amidst the Haymarket Square incident and ongoing fear of anarchists, Charlie joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency. His role involved infiltrating and dismantling anarchist groups, but his abusive methods often compromised his cover, leading to internal conflicts within both the Pinkertons and anarchist circles.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony [16:37]: "So he's trying to save his own skin. He's like me and him are doing it. He's not really much of a saver for you."

Legal Troubles and Public Backlash

Charlie's repeated instances of violence eventually caught up with him. From assaulting civilians to misconduct within the police department, each incident fueled public outcry and increased pressure from organizations like the Personal Rights League to hold him accountable.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony [22:18]: "It's situational. With brutality."

Gareth Reynolds [26:27]: "So these groups join together demanding Charlie be prosecuted and fired."

Decline and Continued Misconduct

Despite suspensions and fines, Charlie's behavior deteriorated further, exacerbated by his alcoholism. His inability to maintain professional relationships and his relentless aggression led to his eventual dismissal from multiple positions. His attempts to offer to join the army were rebuffed, further isolating him from any form of legitimate employment.

Notable Quotes:

Dave Anthony [56:25]: "Now Charlie's okay? He got out of it. He got what he wanted."

Gareth Reynolds [57:27]: "Alright, Charlie's back on the force after all."

Final Years and Legacy

Charlie spent his remaining years drifting between various detective agencies, continuing his pattern of violence and misconduct. By 1940, Charlie Nerdum passed away from heart disease at the age of 83 without any significant recognition or obituary, leaving behind a legacy of brutality and controversy.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony [93:11]: "He did what he's known for. He is descending into that fucking hellhole."

Notable Quotes and Timestamped Highlights

• On Charlie's Repeated Firings:

  Dave Anthony [14:07]: "So he is liked by fellow cops, but then after a few months, he gets fired for mistreating a prisoner."

• On His Involvement with the Pinkertons:

  Dave Anthony [16:37]: "He's trying to save his own skin. He's like me and him are doing it."

• On Public Backlash:

  Dave Anthony [22:18]: "It's situational. With brutality."

• On Charlie's Downfall:

  Dave Anthony [56:25]: "Now Charlie's okay? He got out of it. He got what he wanted."

• On His Legacy:

  Dave Anthony [93:11]: "He did what he's known for. He is descending into that fucking hellhole."

Hosts' Commentary and Humorous Interjections

Throughout the episode, Dave and Gareth interject humorous banter that highlights the absurdity and severity of Charlie's actions. Their dynamic serves to both entertain and provide critical commentary on historical policing practices.

Examples:

• On Rehiring Charlie:

  Gareth Reynolds [14:28]: "Good. That's good. Get him back in there. He's learned a lesson."

• On Charlie's Drinking Problem:

  Gareth Reynolds [56:25]: "Now Charlie's okay? He got out of it. He got what he wanted."

• On Charlie's Final Days:

  Dave Anthony [93:11]: "He did what he's known for. He is descending into that fucking hellhole."

Conclusion

Episode 663 of "The Dollop" offers a deep dive into the life of Charlie Nerdum, a figure whose career encapsulates the chaotic and often unchecked nature of late 19th-century American policing. Through a blend of historical recounting and comedic analysis, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds shed light on the complexities of law enforcement history, the interplay between personal misconduct and institutional accountability, and the enduring impact of such figures on societal perceptions of policing.