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The Cincinnati chief firing occurred on April 23, 2026, when former police chief Teresa Theetge was dismissed by City Manager Sheryl Long following an independent investigation. The city cited insubordination, inefficiency, and leadership concerns as reasons for the decision. Theetge’s attorney, Stephen Imm, has challenged the termination, calling it illegal and lacking due process. The case is expected to proceed through arbitration and potential federal litigation.
The firing of the former Cincinnati chief has triggered a legal dispute after the former police chief’s lawyer called the termination unlawful.
The case is now moving toward arbitration and possible federal court action.
The former Cincinnati police chief, Teresa Theetge, was dismissed on April 23, 2026, by City Manager Sheryl Long. City officials said the decision followed an independent investigation that found issues with leadership, performance, and compliance with public safety priorities. According to WVXU and FOX19, the termination letter cited insubordination and inefficiency as key reasons for the firing.
The Cincinnati chief firing came months after Theetge was placed on administrative leave in October 2025. Reports from CityBeat Cincinnati indicate the leave followed scrutiny over crime trends and internal department concerns. City leaders said they needed stronger execution of public safety strategies during a period of rising community concern.
Former police chief’s firing draws legal challenge from attorney
The firing of Theetge is now under legal challenge by attorney Stephen Imm, who represents Theetge. He argued that the termination lacked legal justification and violated due process protections. According to WLWT, Imm said his client “broke no rules” and was unfairly blamed for broader systemic issues.
Imm spoke publicly for the first time on Friday on behalf of Teresa Theetge during a press conference held at the Finney Law Firm.
“Terri had, over her 35 years of employment, compiled one of the most distinguished careers in the history of the Cincinnati Police Department,” Imm said in his opening remarks Friday. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that no one has had a more impressive career with the CPD than the woman standing to my right.”
Imm outlined several legal steps in response to the Cincinnati chief firing, including:
- Filing for arbitration to review the dismissal
- Preparing a federal lawsuit alleging constitutional violations
- Exploring additional legal claims against city officials
He also argued that the city failed to provide a fair hearing before terminating Theetge. Reports from Local 12 News noted that the legal team plans to challenge both the process and the reasoning behind the decision.
City defends firing of Theetge
City officials continue to defend the firing of Theetge, stating that the decision followed established procedures and independent findings. According to reporting by WVXU, the investigation identified failures in leadership and concerns about the execution of policing strategies.
Officials also pointed to the need for accountability within the police department. They emphasized that leadership performance directly impacts public safety outcomes and community trust. The city has not publicly detailed all findings from the investigation but maintains that the action was justified.
The dispute has also drawn attention to broader governance issues. According to Local 12 News, Imm suggested political pressure may have influenced the Cincinnati chief firing, including tensions involving Mayor Aftab Pureval. City officials have not confirmed those claims.
The termination followed a months-long investigation into Teresa Theetge and a formal hearing involving the former chief, who served 35 years with the Cincinnati Police Department.
A seven-page termination letter cited concerns related to her leadership, communication, and accountability.
Hours after the dismissal, Mayor Aftab Pureval said Theetge initially indicated she was willing to step down but later reversed her position and sought a multimillion-dollar settlement.
“With an initial demand of $7.5 million, you know, that’s a nonstarter. Part of the reason this due process portion took so long was because we wanted to make sure that it was intentional, that it was fair, and that we had time to try to negotiate some kind of a settlement, but unfortunately, that didn’t come to pass,” the mayor said.
A spokesperson for the City of Cincinnati said the city has not released details about the mediation process and did not breach any confidentiality agreement.
What happens next after Cincinnati chief firing
The case will likely move into formal legal proceedings in the coming months. Arbitration could determine whether the termination followed proper procedures, while a federal lawsuit may address constitutional claims.
In the meantime, interim leadership remains in place within the Cincinnati Police Department. The city is expected to begin or continue its search for a permanent replacement. According to multiple outlets, including WLWT and CityBeat, the outcome of the legal challenge could influence future administrative decisions and employment policies.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between public accountability and employee rights in high-level government roles. As legal proceedings unfold, both sides will present evidence to support their positions on the Cincinnati chief firing.
FAQs
Why was the Cincinnati police chief fired?
City officials said the Cincinnati chief firing followed an independent investigation that found leadership and performance issues. The termination letter cited insubordination and failure to meet public safety priorities.
What is the former chief’s legal argument?
Attorney Stephen Imm argues the Cincinnati chief firing was illegal and violated due process rights. He said his client did not break rules and was unfairly held responsible for broader problems.
What legal actions are being taken?
The legal team plans to pursue arbitration and file a federal lawsuit. These actions will challenge both the process and justification of the Cincinnati chief firing.
What happens next in this case?
The dispute will likely move through arbitration and court proceedings. The outcome could determine whether the firing stands or leads to reinstatement or damages.
