CINCINNATI – The city of Cincinnati has named Teresa Theetge its choice to serve as interim police chief. Theetge will become the first woman to lead the Cincinnati Police Department in any capacity.

The announcement came Wednesday during a media event at City Hall.

Police Chief Eliot Isaac announced midway through last year that he planned to retire in early 2022. Last Tuesday, Isaac issued a joint statement with Mayor Aftab Pureval and interim City Manager John Curp announcing that his last day will be Tuesday, March 1. However, his final working day will be Friday, Feb. 18.

Mayor Aftab Pureval said Wednesday that finding the right person to succeed Isaac is a “cornerstone” of the city’s "broader vision." He went on to thank Isaac for his years of service to the people of Cincinnati.

A friend and longtime colleague of Theetge, Isaac praised the new interim chief for professional demeanor and work ethic. He said he has "full confidence" in her leadership abilities and said the city is in good hands during this interim period.

“To the men and women... of the police department, I'm in awe of what you do each day and how you embrace your role as public servants for this great city. I look forward to working with you and to ensure a smooth transition," Theetge said.

She promised residents that she's invested in participating in the Collaborative Agreement and working to address issues facing Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods.

“I am committed to ensuring your safety and to being as inclusive as possible in how we police this city. We’ve always strived to be a model agency for others to follow," she added.

The city plans to conduct a national search to find a permanent police chief, though Curp said internal candidates are invited to apply as well. The interim city manager said the tentative plan is for the hiring process to take place in late spring and through the summer. Community engagement will be a key part of that process, he said.

About interim Chief Theetge

Theetge continues to make history within CPD and in law enforcement circles. 

In February 2020, Theetge was promoted to the rank of executive assistant chief, then the highest rank a woman had ever held within the Cincinnati Police Department. It's essentially the chief's second-in-command. Before taking on that role she served as assistant chief for about four years.

During her more than three decades as a member of CPD, Theetge has worked in virtually every aspect of law enforcement, ranging from patrol and investigative assignments to inspections, audits and internal investigations, according to a profile of her on the city's website.

Her experience as a member of the command staff includes working as night chief and commanding District One.

During her time with the Cincinnati Police Department, Theetge attended Xavier University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in organizational leadership. She holds a master’s degree in human resource development.  

Theetge is a graduate of several professional organizations, including the FBI’s National Executive Institute. She also completed the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Women Excel Leadership (WE Lead) program and Leadership Cincinnati.

She and her husband reside in Miami Township. They have four adult children and eight grandchildren.

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