After a five-month independent investigation by the law firm Frost Brown Todd Gibbons, suspended Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge was found to be an ineffective leader. The nine-page report highlighted that while Theetge was seen as strong administratively, she lacked operational expertise, which hindered her leadership during unrest. Her leadership style was described as “old school,” “rigid,” and “authoritarian,” causing departmental silos and competition that harmed the police department and city. Communication issues under her tenure led to distrust and a lack of transparency, though some argue these problems predated her leadership.

Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober agreed with the report’s conclusion that Theetge could not effectively return to the department, citing the difficult circumstances of her administrative leave. Theetge’s lawyer condemned the report as false and politically motivated, with a pre-disciplinary hearing forthcoming where Theetge plans to refute the allegations. The report did not address criticisms Theetge made of the mayor and city manager, focusing solely on her leadership shortcomings.