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Cincinnati has not started a search for a permanent police chief nearly six months after former Chief Teresa Theetge was fired. Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney said the city has not decided whether it will conduct a search. Theetge is challenging her termination and seeking to return to her position, while Adam Hennie continues to serve as interim chief.
The City of Cincinnati has not started the process of finding a permanent police chief nearly six months after former Chief Teresa Theetge was fired.
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney said the city administration told her it has not decided whether it will conduct a search for a permanent chief.
The decision could depend partly on the outcome of Theetge’s effort to challenge her termination and seek to return to the Cincinnati Police Department.
Cincinnati has no permanent police chief search underway
The city has not taken steps toward hiring a permanent police chief, according to a report from Local 12.
City Manager Sheryl Long declined to answer questions about whether the city has begun the process. She said the city was discussing the police department’s actions and would not address the leadership matter at that time.
Lemon Kearney said the administration’s position is understandable while Theetge’s employment dispute remains unresolved.
Theetge has said she wants her job back. Her attorney also announced plans to appeal her termination and pursue a federal lawsuit, alleging violations of her constitutional rights.
Theetge was fired in April
Long placed Theetge on paid administrative leave on Oct. 20, 2025, while the city investigated her leadership of the Cincinnati Police Department.
The city manager fired Theetge on April 23, 2026, citing insubordination, inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance. Long said an independent investigation supported the decision.
The investigation, conducted by FBT Gibbons, included interviews with Theetge and 32 witnesses. The report criticized her leadership and communication, while Theetge’s attorney rejected its conclusions.
Theetge’s attorney said after the firing that she would seek an appeal and a third-party arbitration process. He said her goal was to return her to the police chief position.
Adam Hennie remains interim chief
Assistant Chief Adam Hennie has continued to lead the Cincinnati Police Department as interim chief since Theetge went on leave in October 2025.
At the time of Theetge’s firing, Long said the department was stable and fully operational under Hennie’s leadership.
The city had previously said it would provide an update on permanent police leadership, but it remained unclear whether Hennie would receive the permanent position or whether Cincinnati would conduct an internal or external search.
For now, the city has not started either process.
City awaits clarity on police leadership
The city’s next step could depend on how Theetge’s appeal and potential legal proceedings develop.
The lack of a permanent-chief search means Hennie continues to oversee the department while city officials determine how to proceed with long-term leadership.
The situation also leaves the question of whether Cincinnati will eventually open the position to candidates from inside or outside the police department.
FAQs
When was Theetge placed on leave?
Theetge was placed on paid administrative leave on Oct. 20, 2025, while the city investigated her leadership. Adam Hennie became interim chief at that time.
Who decides who becomes Cincinnati police chief?
The Cincinnati city manager has authority over the police chief position under the city’s charter. Long made the decision to place Theetge on leave and later terminate her.
Why was Teresa Theetge fired?
City Manager Sheryl Long fired Theetge in April 2026, citing insubordination, inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance. Long said the decision followed an investigation into Theetge’s leadership.
