CINCINNATI — Frost Brown Todd is the outside firm that will handle the internal investigation into Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge, the City of Cincinnati announced Monday morning.
The announcement says the law firm will serve as independent counsel to conduct a "review" into the effectiveness of Theetge's leadership.
The city did not put a timeline on how long that investigation will take, or when the end result would be released.
"This process will take the amount of time necessary to ensure it is managed with integrity, accuracy and thoroughness," reads the announcement from the city. "As this remains a personnel matter, the city will not comment further until the review is complete and will provide updates only when appropriate and legally permissible. The city continues to focus on supporting its officers and ensuring continuity in public safety services. Interim Chief Adam Hennie has deep operational experience and trusted relationships with residents and community partners. He has already demonstrated this by implementing initiatives to strengthen our public safety strategies by expanding the bike patrol unit, establishing a full-time SWAT team, and integrating key technology systems under one unit. The city is committed to a fair process, stable leadership and maintaining the trust and safety of the community it serves."
The city announced on October 20 that Theetge had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into "the effectiveness of her leadership."
A city spokesperson confirmed in a statement on October 23 the City Solicitor's Office "plans to engage outside counsel for this investigation to ensure a timely, fair and thorough process."
"The Solicitor’s Office will consider the experience and expertise of firms before making a determination," the statement says. "As part of the process, they will be evaluating proposals and working with the Budget Office to identify funds. We expect to have a decision to share soon."
Finney Law Firm, which represents Theetge, said after the decision that she hopes to return to her role as police chief and she will not accept a lesser position.
"She has no desire to resign. She has no intention to resign," attorney Stephen Imm said.
Imm said the city "does not even claim to have cause for removing her from her job" and that they are considering all options, not ruling out a possible lawsuit against the city.
WATCH: Theetge's attorneys speak for the first time since she was placed on leave
Theetge's attorneys said they believe she is being used as "a political scapegoat and a political pawn," with the decision coming down from Mayor Aftab Pureval.
The mayor said on Wednesday he backs the city manager's decision but rejects any claims that the move was politically motivated.
"The election has nothing to do with this decision or really any of the decisions that we take in this office," Pureval said. "Our number one priority continues to be public safety."
You can watch Mayor Pureval speak to the media here:
