Cincinnati Police Chief Placed on Leave After Damning Report

Independent investigation finds Teresa Theetge's leadership ineffective, sparking calls for change

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:13am

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After being placed on paid administrative leave in October, an independent investigation has found that Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has "not been an effective leader" in her role, according to a new report. The city hired the law firm FBT Gibbons to investigate Theetge's leadership, leading to the damning conclusion that has sparked calls for her resignation or termination.

Why it matters

The report on Chief Theetge's leadership comes at a critical time for the Cincinnati Police Department, which has faced ongoing challenges with community relations, officer morale, and public trust. The findings could lead to major changes in the department's top leadership and set the stage for a broader reckoning over policing priorities and accountability.

The details

The independent investigation into Chief Theetge's leadership was launched after the city placed her on paid administrative leave in October. The law firm FBT Gibbons was hired to conduct the probe, which has now concluded that Theetge "has not been an effective leader" during her tenure. The specific details and findings of the report have not been made public, but the overall assessment of Theetge's performance has sparked calls for her resignation or termination.

  • Chief Theetge was placed on paid administrative leave in October 2025.
  • The independent investigation by FBT Gibbons was launched shortly after Theetge was placed on leave.
  • The investigation's findings were completed and reported to city officials in March 2026.

The players

Teresa Theetge

The current Police Chief of Cincinnati, who has been placed on paid administrative leave following an independent investigation that found she "has not been an effective leader".

FBT Gibbons

The law firm hired by the city of Cincinnati to conduct an independent investigation into the leadership and performance of Police Chief Teresa Theetge.

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What they’re saying

“The report's findings are deeply concerning and demand immediate action to restore public trust in the Cincinnati Police Department.”

— Councilmember Jada Brown, Chair, Public Safety Committee

What’s next

City officials have indicated they will review the full investigation report and consider next steps, which could include terminating Chief Theetge's employment or requiring her to resign.

The takeaway

This investigation into the leadership of Cincinnati's police chief underscores the ongoing challenges facing urban police departments when it comes to maintaining public trust, officer morale, and effective management. The findings could lead to a major shakeup in the department's top leadership and set the stage for a broader discussion about policing priorities and accountability in the city.