CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has been fired.
City Manager Sheryl Long announced April 23 that Theetge was dismissed “effective immediately.”
“I recognize Chief Theetge’s more than 35 years of service to the Cincinnati Police Department and to this City,” said Long. “At the same time, after completing this review, it’s become clear that a change in leadership is necessary for the department moving forward.”
Interim Chief Adam Hennie remains in command of CPD, according to the city.
Theetge’s attorney, Steve Imm, issued a statement following Thursday’s announcement.
Today is a sad day for the City of Cincinnati. Its leaders have taken the shameful step of dismissing one of its most accomplished and beloved public servants for no legitimate reason. They know their phony excuses for this disgraceful action are entirely false, but still chose to put this black mark on our great city. We will get justice for Terri Theetge, and those responsible for this disgusting act will be held accountable.
When Long met with the media Thursday, she was asked about a potential lawsuit, something Imm has said will happen should Theetge be fired.
Long replied, “I can’t speculate on that.”
The city’s decision follows a months-long investigation into Theetge’s leadership effectiveness, which started in October 2025.
FBT Gibbons, the third-party law firm hired by city officials, concluded the investigation in March, alleging Theetge lacks the ability to collaborate, take accountability, communicate effectively and create a transparent, positive work environment, based on witness accounts.
“Chief Theetge has not been an effective leader of the CPD. Modern policing requires cross-departmental collaboration, adapting to changing expectations in communities and with employees, and eliminating single points of failure. Chief Theetge’s ‘old school’ (i.e. rigid and authoritarian) approach led directly to a siloing of departments where departments competed for talent, resources, and information – to the detriment of the CPD and the City,” part of the report says.
The full report was made public March 31.
Theetge’s attorney dismissed the report’s allegations, previously stating the investigation was intended to make her a “political scapegoat.”
The former chief’s family released a statement on social media over the weekend, following a closed-door meeting with Long in mid-April.
“Yes, the report is so full of lies, it took Terri two hours to cover them. Yes, there was a sense of relief on Terri’s part to look her in the eyes and tell her she is a liar,” the post says.
“Our family was simply enjoying our lives until this atrocity occurred and as we have said repeatedly, ‘we didn’t start this fight, but we will finish it.’”
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