The investigation into Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge's leadership will extend beyond the original deadline, WVXU has learned.
City Manager Sheryl Long placed Theetge on paid leave over two months ago. Shortly after, the city hired law firm Frost Brown Todd to conduct an investigation.
The contract originally went through Dec. 31 for up to $40,000. The money comes from the Law Department's previously allocated non-personnel budget for outside counsel services.
A city spokesperson tells WVXU the contract will be amended to extend to Feb. 28, 2026 for an additional $9,000.
The contract spells out four specific aims for the investigation, but also specifies the investigation should not be limited to these goals. The city has directed the law firm to investigate whether Theetge:
- has been an effective leader and manager of the Cincinnati Police Department, including personnel and resources;
- has been a leader within the context of city government, including by furthering the broader goals and objectives of the city administration;
- has committed any infraction or policy violation while serving as police chief;
- has disregarded best practices in the running of CPD to the detriment of public safety and crime prevention.
Theetge's attorney Stephen Imm of Finney Law Firm has said City Manager Long and Mayor Aftab Pureval are using Theetge as a political scapegoat. Pureval has said Long independently made the decision to place Theetge on leave, although he supports the decision.
In a statement Tuesday, Imm says Long and Pureval should be "ashamed" for "continuing this charade."
"This was nothing but a cynical political stunt from the start. It is a disgrace that the City’s leadership is now continuing to sacrifice the career and reputation of such a dedicated and devoted public servant," Imm said. "Terri Theetge is a leader the City can be proud of. The same CANNOT be said for the people who continue to leave her twisting in the wind for no good reason. This sham has already gone on for far too long. Chief Theetge has already suffered far too much."
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