Police Chief Teresa Theetge is under major scrutiny on two critical fronts. Recently, a viral street brawl in downtown Cincinnati—captured on video—prompted national outrage and a wave of criticism over the department’s timely handling of the violent assault, which left a white mother unconscious after attempting to intervene. Authorities have since charged multiple suspects, and public pressure has intensified amid calls for justice and stronger community policing.
Overlaying that controversy, Chief Theetge now faces a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by four veteran Cincinnati officers—Capt. Robert Wilson and Lieutenants Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges, and Andrew Mitchell. The officers allege systemic discrimination, claiming Theetge implemented a “race-based quota system” that favored minority and female officers for coveted promotions and assignments. According to the lawsuit, in 2023, 79% of minority lieutenants and 89% of female lieutenants received “preferred assignments,” compared to only 44% of white male lieutenants—despite equal qualifications.
The plaintiffs allege these roles, which come with financial benefits and career leverage, were allocated based on race and gender rather than merit. They seek compensatory and punitive damages along with injunctive relief, arguing the practice violates Title VII and constitutional protections.
Critics of Chief Theetge note that the discrimination claims arise amid growing criticism of the Cincinnati Police Department’s response to violent crime, arguing that the internal lawsuit adds another layer of tension between leadership and rank-and-file morale.