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Article Summary
An independent investigation by the law firm FBT Gibbons officially concluded that Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge is not an effective leader. The five-month probe cited her authoritarian management style, poor communication, and failure to address a documented culture of retaliation or internal perceptions of favoritism. Theetge, who has been on paid administrative leave since October 2025, vehemently denies the findings through her legal counsel, leaving City Manager Sheryl Long to determine her final employment status.
Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long released a highly anticipated investigation summary on Tuesday.
The comprehensive report examines the rocky tenure of Police Chief Teresa Theetge.
Investigators ultimately concluded she is not an effective leader. The city placed Theetge on paid administrative leave back in October 2025.
This sudden suspension followed rising concerns regarding her daily management style. FBT Gibbons, a prominent law firm, conducted the independent review. They interviewed Theetge and 32 unnamed witnesses over several months.
Witness accounts detail a not effective leader
The investigative findings paint a troubling picture of the department’s top executive. Witnesses described her daily approach as exceptionally rigid and authoritarian.
The report claims she relies heavily on an outdated, old-school management philosophy. Many veteran officers felt alienated by her aggressive communication tactics.
She allegedly restricted vital information to a very small inner circle. The vast majority of witnesses believe she should not return to work. They stated her reinstatement would actively harm the Cincinnati Police Department.
Major failures under her command
Investigators highlighted several major operational and cultural failures within the department. The report outlined specific areas where the chief actively failed her sworn officers.
These critical leadership shortcomings include the following major issues:
- A stark disconnect creating a severe lack of transparency and mutual distrust.
- A strong culture of retaliation operating openly under her direct command.
- The immediate dismissal of legitimate employee concerns without any proper investigation.
- A complete inability to accept critical feedback from peers or city officials.
Witnesses firmly stated these ongoing problems made her continued employment entirely untenable. These glaring issues solidified her reputation as a not effective leader.
Allegations of nepotism and favoritism
The review extensively addressed troubling perceptions of internal favoritism and nepotism. Theetge allegedly gave a highly sought-after specialized assignment directly to her nephew.
She also faced intense criticism regarding the promotional process for an Assistant Chief. The report states she completely failed to correct these damaging perceptions.
Her indifference to these ethical concerns only exacerbated the existing departmental tension. According to WVXU news coverage, the firm linked these specific decisions to her downfall. They concluded these controversial actions severely compromised her ability to govern fairly.
Legal defense rejects the not effective leader label
Theetge and her legal team aggressively deny the investigation’s scathing conclusions. Attorney Stephen Imm of the Finney Law Firm represents the embattled chief.
Imm released a fiery statement shortly after the city published the summary. He boldly called the allegations a shameful collection of outright falsehoods.
Imm insists Theetge remains an honorable and deeply dedicated public servant. He claims city leaders are actively using her as a convenient scapegoat. The legal team promised to vigorously defend her reputation against these claims.
Accusations of a biased city investigation
Imm firmly stated there is no credible evidence supporting the city’s drastic actions. He directly accused Mayor Aftab Pureval and City Manager Long of issuing false statements.
According to Journal-News reporting, Imm previously criticized the extended investigation timeline. He argued the city unnecessarily dragged out the entire process to damage her career.
Theetge reportedly maintains she is one of the absolute best chiefs in city history. The official report cites this continued assertion as proof she cannot implement critical feedback.
The catalyst for the initial suspension
The city originally placed Theetge on leave following a dramatic surge in downtown crime. A highly publicized shooting incident on Fountain Square quickly escalated public safety concerns.
Local business owners loudly demanded immediate answers from the municipal government. Theetge faced intense public scrutiny for her handling of the violent summer months.
The city ultimately accepted temporary law enforcement help from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Despite these external interventions, downtown crime reports continued to rise steadily. This volatile environment prompted the city to launch the external leadership investigation.
Union leaders weigh in on the crisis
Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober previously weighed in on the ongoing controversy. He warned that simply replacing the police chief will not magically solve the violence.
Kober suggested the city must entirely remove the police department from local political influence. He urged voters to carefully reconsider municipal policies that hinder independent police work.
The police department currently struggles with recruiting and retaining highly qualified patrol officers. Critics point out these ongoing problems stem directly from a not effective leader. These critical staffing shortages make effective crime prevention significantly more difficult.
A new direction under interim leadership
The formal investigation summary also shed light on the current interim police leadership. Assistant Chief Adam Hennie immediately took over when the city initially suspended Theetge.
Witnesses overwhelmingly praised Hennie for his modern and highly inclusive managerial approach. The final report contrasts his communication style directly with his ousted predecessor.
Hennie actively includes other senior command staff members in critical daily decision-making processes. He clearly explains the reasoning behind his choices instead of demanding blind obedience. Many veteran officers enthusiastically described his interim tenure as a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Navigating current departmental challenges
Hennie actively considers critical generational and cultural differences within the police ranks. He routinely demonstrates valuable flexibility when addressing complex and evolving departmental challenges.
The city manager previously expressed her full confidence in Hennie’s steady interim leadership. He successfully took command during a difficult period marked by persistent downtown violence.
The police department still remains roughly one hundred officers short of its authorized staffing levels. Hennie must skillfully navigate these personnel shortages while simultaneously rebuilding fractured internal morale.
Final steps for the not effective leader
The final employment decision regarding Theetge now rests entirely with Sheryl Long. The city manager possesses the sole legal authority to terminate her lucrative contract.
Long can also formally request the embattled chief’s immediate and permanent resignation. Theetge recently received official written notification of an upcoming pre-disciplinary hearing.
City officials have not yet publicly announced a specific date for this critical meeting. Mayor Pureval continues to defer all direct comments regarding the specific investigation findings. He consistently refers to the ongoing situation as a strictly private administrative personnel matter.
Community awaits the final verdict
The city originally contracted FBT Gibbons for a maximum expenditure of forty thousand dollars. They systematically extended the contract twice to guarantee a thoroughly comprehensive and accurate review.
The final report finally arrived on March 31 without incurring any additional legal costs. Concerned residents and anxious police officers alike now patiently wait for Long’s final ruling.
Also read:
Interim chief warns Cincinnati Police budget cuts could force officer layoffs
FAQs
Why was the Cincinnati police chief investigated?
The city initiated an external investigation into Chief Teresa Theetge following rising internal concerns over her management style during a period of surging downtown crime. She was placed on paid administrative leave in October 2025 pending the results of this comprehensive probe.
What were the main findings of the FBT Gibbons report?
The independent report declared that Theetge was not an effective leader due to her exceptionally rigid approach and lack of transparency. Investigators also explicitly noted she failed to properly address legitimate employee concerns, a culture of retaliation, and specific allegations of nepotism.
How has Chief Theetge responded to these allegations?
Theetge and her legal counsel have completely denied the investigation’s conclusions, labeling the findings as a collection of outright falsehoods. Her attorney publicly argued that city leaders are using her as a political scapegoat and lack credible evidence to support any disciplinary action.
Who is currently leading the Cincinnati Police Department?
Assistant Chief Adam Hennie is serving as the interim police chief while the city manager decides Theetge’s ultimate fate. According to the published investigation summary, department witnesses overwhelmingly praised Hennie for his modern, inclusive, and highly communicative management style.
