CINCINNATI — Chief Teresa Theetge has obtained an employment lawyer amid questions about her future with the Cincinnati Police Department.
Attorney Stephen Imm with Finney Law Firm confirmed he is representing Theetge as an employment lawyer at this time.
While Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long said "no employment change has been made" to leadership at the Cincinnati Police Department, Theetge's future with the department has been in question after sources confirmed the city administration is discussing a possible "resignation or termination."
Long confirmed in a statement that Theetge returned to Cincinnati from the International Association of Chiefs of Police's annual conference to discuss "developmental matters of the Cincinnati Police Department."
The city manager said the two met Thursday for a "productive" conversation but did not provide additional details.
"While those conversations are ongoing, the city remains focused on ensuring effective public safety operations and serving the residents of Cincinnati with integrity and stability,"Long's statement says.
Ken Kober, president of Cincinnati's Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement after the reports that replacing the chief "is not the answer."
"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," Kober said.
In August, the FOP unanimously voted that it has no confidence in the mayor, citing "a series of leadership failures over the past month that have undermined public safety, police operations and community trust."
Pureval said he was disappointed to hear of the vote and said he doesn't believe it "reflects the work we've done in collaboration with our officers."
WATCH: We hear from an employment lawyer about what this move might mean for the chief
"We've increased police funding to address staffing challenges faced by cities across the nation, we've supported requests for new lateral classes and additional resources, and I have further funding increases in the pipeline as we speak," Pureval said at the time. "I have been proud to stand with our officers at every turn as they make sacrifices to protect residents."
WCPO has reached out to Pureval's office about whether changes could be made to CPD leadership. We have not heard back at this time.
