Cincinnati report says police chief Theetge has 'not been an effective leader'

The monthslong review into Cincinnati police chief Terri Theetge has been released, finding her not to be an effective leader.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone police car parked on a shadowy urban street, capturing the somber mood surrounding the leadership review of the Cincinnati police chief.The release of a critical report on Cincinnati's police chief leadership raises questions about the future direction of the city's law enforcement.Cincinnati Today

The city of Cincinnati has released a report from an independent investigation into the effectiveness of police chief Terri Theetge's leadership. The nine-page report from Frost Brown Todd summarizes findings that Theetge has not been an effective leader when it comes to communication, collaboration, accountability, culture, and working within city government. The report suggests Theetge 'could not return to the CPD and be effective' and cites witness descriptions of 'old school' leadership tactics, poor communication, and a 'strong culture of retaliation'.

Why it matters

The release of this report comes after Theetge was placed on paid administrative leave in October 2026 pending an internal review. The city engaged an independent firm to conduct the review, which has now concluded that Theetge's leadership has been ineffective, raising questions about her future role as police chief.

The details

The nine-page report from the law firm Frost Brown Todd summarizes the findings of the investigation into Theetge's leadership, categorizing issues around her effectiveness as a leader, communication style, ability to work with city government, culture of retaliation, accountability, and driving positive change. The report suggests Theetge 'could not return to the CPD and be effective' based on witness accounts detailing 'old school' tactics, poor communication with command staff, and a 'strong culture of retaliation'.

  • Theetge was placed on paid administrative leave in October 2026 pending the internal review.
  • The city engaged Frost Brown Todd in October 2026 as independent counsel to conduct the review.
  • The contract with Frost Brown Todd was extended in December 2026 and again in February 2027, but will not be extended further as the review is now complete.

The players

Terri Theetge

The police chief of Cincinnati who has been the subject of a monthslong review into the effectiveness of her leadership.

Sheryl Long

The city manager of Cincinnati who commented on the release of the investigatory report.

Stephen Imm

The employment lawyer representing Terri Theetge, who has criticized the grounds for the investigation.

Adam Hennie

The interim police chief of Cincinnati appointed after Theetge was placed on leave.

Frost Brown Todd

The independent law firm that conducted the investigation into Theetge's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“The City is committed to a fair, thorough, and legally sound process. This report is the result of an independent investigation conducted by outside counsel and has been shared with Chief Theetge. This remains an ongoing personnel matter and it's important to allow the process to proceed in the time required to protect the integrity of the review. I will not comment further until a decision is made.”

— Sheryl Long, City Manager

“There were never any grounds for this investigation in the first place. There were never any grounds to extend it.”

— Stephen Imm, Employment Lawyer for Terri Theetge

“Hopefully this brings us one step closer to her complete exoneration, which she richly deserves.”

— Stephen Imm, Employment Lawyer for Terri Theetge

What’s next

The city has not indicated when a decision will be made regarding Terri Theetge's future as police chief following the release of the investigatory report.

The takeaway

This report raises serious questions about Terri Theetge's leadership of the Cincinnati Police Department, with an independent investigation finding she has not been an effective leader when it comes to communication, collaboration, accountability, and driving a positive culture. The city must now determine whether Theetge can continue in her role as police chief or if a change in leadership is warranted.