Four former Cincinnati police officers have filed a lawsuit against Police Chief Teresa Theetge, alleging systematic discrimination against white males within the department's promotion and assignment practices.

According to The Daily Caller, Captain Robert Wilson and Lieutenants Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges, and Andrew Mitchell filed the lawsuit on May 19, claiming they suffered professional and emotional damage due to the department's preferential treatment of women and minorities. The officers are seeking compensatory damages, including lost wages and benefits, while demanding a jury trial and immediate cessation of alleged discriminatory practices.

The lawsuit specifically points to a quota system allegedly implemented under Chief Theetge's leadership, which the officers claim systematically favors women and racial minorities for lieutenant positions. This legal action comes at a particularly sensitive time for the department, as it grapples with the aftermath of a violent incident that garnered national attention.

Previous Legal Battles Shape Current Conflict

The Cincinnati Police Department has faced similar allegations in the past, resulting in significant legal consequences. In early 2025, the city paid $95,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by a white officer over racially charged comments made by supervisors.

A federal judge's 2021 ruling explicitly prohibited the department from using race or sex-based quotas in their hiring and promotion processes. This ruling serves as a crucial precedent for the current lawsuit, highlighting ongoing concerns about discriminatory practices within the department.

Attorney Zack Gottesman, representing the four officers, has emphasized that these cases demonstrate a pattern of systemic discrimination against white males in the department. He points to multiple incidents where the city and police department allegedly engaged in discriminatory practices.

Recent Controversy Amplifies Tensions

Chief Theetge recently drew national attention for her response to a violent brawl in Cincinnati. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed disturbing scenes of violence including assault and battery.

During a Monday press conference, Theetge criticized social media users and journalists for sharing footage she claimed lacked proper context. Her response to the incident has intensified scrutiny of her leadership style and decision-making.

The police department has already charged five suspects in connection with the violent incident, with more charges expected to follow. This development occurs parallel to the discrimination lawsuit, creating additional pressure on the department's leadership.

Department's Leadership Under Intense Scrutiny

The plaintiffs assert they were consistently overlooked for preferred assignments that offered superior benefits and career advancement opportunities. These allegations suggest a systematic pattern of discrimination that extends beyond individual incidents.

The lawsuit claims that the city and Chief Theetge have deliberately implemented policies favoring minorities and women, effectively discriminating against white male officers. This practice, according to the plaintiffs, has created a hostile work environment and damaged their professional advancement opportunities.

The legal action seeks both immediate and long-term changes to the department's promotion and assignment practices. The officers are requesting the court to intervene and establish fair, merit-based criteria for advancement opportunities.

Future of Cincinnati Police Leadership

The discrimination lawsuit against Chief Theetge represents a significant challenge to the Cincinnati Police Department's current leadership structure and practices. The four officers' legal action has exposed deep-rooted tensions within the department regarding promotion policies and equal opportunity practices.

The case has broader implications for law enforcement agencies nationwide, as it addresses the complex balance between diversity initiatives and fair treatment of all officers. The outcome could potentially influence how other police departments approach their promotion and assignment policies.

The resolution of this lawsuit could reshape the department's future policies regarding promotions, assignments, and workplace culture. As the legal proceedings continue, the Cincinnati Police Department faces the challenge of maintaining effective law enforcement while addressing these serious allegations of discrimination.