Former Cincinnati Officers Sue Police Chief for Discrimination

Four former Cincinnati Police Department members have filed a lawsuit against Police Chief Teresa Theetge and the City of Cincinnati. They claim the department discriminates systemically against white male officers.

Allegations of Intentional Bias

The complaint, submitted on May 19, accuses the department of “intentional and discriminatory practices” based on race and gender. The plaintiffs—Captain Robert Wilson and Lieutenants Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges, and Andrew Mitchell—say they suffered professional setbacks, reputational harm, and emotional distress. They blame preferential treatment given to women and minority officers.

Claims of Preferential Promotions and Assignments

The lawsuit, reviewed by The Cincinnati Enquirer, argues that promotion and assignment decisions favor women and minorities “to the exclusion of White men.” It states, “The city and Chief Theetge have actively and systematically made decisions that benefit women and minorities, excluding White men.”

The officers claim they were denied access to preferred assignments, which often come with better benefits. Such roles are crucial for career growth within the department.

Race-Based Quotas Alleged

Since Chief Theetge took command, the plaintiffs allege the department has applied a race-based quota system for promotions, especially for lieutenant ranks.

Department Declines Comment

The Cincinnati Police Department did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Seeking Damages and Injunction

The officers seek compensatory damages, including lost wages and benefits. They also request compensation for emotional distress and demand a jury trial. Additionally, they want the court to order the department to stop discriminatory practices.

Attorney Highlights Larger Pattern

Attorney Zack Gottesman, representing the officers, told WXIX that this lawsuit reflects a wider pattern of discrimination by city leadership. He said, “These cases show systemic discrimination against white individuals, especially white male officers, in promotions, assignments, and workplace treatment.”

Gottesman added, “Despite court rulings and evidence of past remedies, the city continues race- and sex-based policies. This creates unequal treatment and violates constitutional rights.”

Previous Legal Actions and Court Rulings

This lawsuit follows recent legal challenges involving the Cincinnati Police Department. In early 2025, the city settled for $95,000 with a white officer who complained of derogatory remarks by supervisors and colleagues.

In 2021, a federal judge barred the department from using race- or sex-based quotas in hiring and promotions.

Chief Theetge Faces Public Scrutiny After Violent Incident

Chief Theetge also faced criticism after a violent downtown Cincinnati incident went viral. Early one Saturday, a street fight broke out. Video footage showed a group assaulting a man, with a female bystander later losing consciousness.

During a Monday press conference, Chief Theetge addressed the viral video. She criticized social media’s portrayal, saying, “Social media posts do not show the full incident. They offer just one interpretation. Sometimes, social and mainstream media misrepresent the event’s context.”

She continued, “This complicates our investigation and law enforcement efforts.”