Story perspectives

City Fires Police Chief After Ineffective Review, Lawsuit Looms

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

City Manager Sheryl Long terminated Police Chief Teresa Theetge on April 23, 2026 after a five-month independent review labeled her leadership ineffective.
Mayor Aftab Pureval endorsed the firing and called Theetge’s $7.5 million resignation demand unacceptable.
Attorney Stephen Imm announced plans to pursue arbitration and a lawsuit, describing the termination as a due-process violation.
City officials warned that potential litigation could delay the search for a permanent police chief.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley forced Police Chief Daryl Gates to resign after the Rodney King verdict, prompting a $3.8 million settlement and a $1 billion federal consent decree to overhaul the LAPD. Echoing that precedent, Cincinnati’s 2026 dismissal of Chief Teresa Theetge by City Manager Sheryl Long has sparked a $7.5 million resignation demand and renewed calls for systemic police reform.

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Story summary

City Manager Sheryl Long terminated Police Chief Teresa Theetge on April 23, 2026 after a five-month independent review labeled her leadership ineffective.
Mayor Aftab Pureval endorsed the firing and called Theetge’s $7.5 million resignation demand unacceptable.
Attorney Stephen Imm announced plans to pursue arbitration and a lawsuit, describing the termination as a due-process violation.
City officials warned that potential litigation could delay the search for a permanent police chief.

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