Uncertainity over if there will be a change in leadership of the Cincinnati Police Department continues as city leaders face scrutiny following recent high-profile crimes in the city’s Downtown core.
The first fatal shooting of the year in downtown Cincinnati happened early Oct. 17, the morning after City Manager Sheryl Long and Police Chief Teresa Theetge met for what Long called “productive discussions regarding departmental matters.”
Neither Mayor Aftab Pureval nor Long have directly stated that they will replace Theetge.
Long previously said that no change has been made regarding police department leadership. However, Long asked Theetge to return to Cincinnati on Oct. 14 from Denver, where she was attending a national police conference. Pureval has said the city is exploring its options.
Here’s what we know as of the morning of Oct. 17.
Why is Teresa Theetge facing scrutiny?
It’s an election year and Pureval, Theetge and other city leaders have come under attack for the city’s policies on crime and policing.
Data shows that crime in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown has spiked this summer. While the levels of some crimes have decreased, both neighborhoods are still seeing certain types of crime occurring at a higher rate. This summer was long and filled with several high-profile crime events.
In June, Sarah Heringer criticized the city after her husband was killed in their Over-the-Rhine home.
July brought the brawl that went viral on social media, which put Cincinnati in the spotlight for national conversations about policing, crime and race.
The debate over curfews, enforcing laws and curbing violence reignited after a disagreement between two parties at Fountain Square led to a shooting that police said injured a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old on Oct. 13.
Theetge warns of crack-down
After several high-profile incidents this summer, Theetge once again held a press conference following the double shooting at Fountain Square. In prior press conferences, Theetge called for a multi-pronged approach and collaboration with parents and other partners.
She has often said that problems, particularly with juveniles, cannot be solved only by policing. But her message following the Monday shooting was different.
She warned of more arrests for low-level offenses in Downtown. She told her police officers they would have to do more, and said she would have their backs as long as they followed their training.
Will Cininnati police chief be replaced?
During the press conference Tuesday, Pureval was asked if he still had confidence in Theetge. He did not say that he did.
The city is negotiating with Theetge over her resignation, according to sources, however, after a meeting Thursday, city manager Long said she and Theetge had “productive discussions.”
Does Cincinnati’s police union stand behind the chief?
Cincinnati’s police union unanimously voted no confidence in Pureval in August citing, in part, his slow response to the Downtown brawl.
The union’s president, Ken Kober, issued a statement Oct. 15 in support of the chief:
“Replacing the chief is not the answer,” Kober said in a text message. “There are three options: Repeal Issue 5 so the Police Chief isn’t under the thumb of an elected official, convince the mayor to allow the Chief to do her job independently or residents vote for a new mayor. Otherwise we will remain at status quo with violence in this city.”
What’s next for city, Cincinnati chief of police?
If the city does move to replace Theetge, officials will likely have to consider the terms of her contract as well as possible litigation.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police chief Teresa Theetge’s future unclear after meeting. What we know
Reporting by Gillian Stawiszynski, Scott Wartman, Cameron Knight and Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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