Update on Shooting

July 29, 2015

TO: UC Students, Faculty and Staff

RE: Update on Shooting: Officer Tensing Dismissed

From: Santa J. Ono, President

Once again, I want to extend our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones of Samuel Dubose. I was able to talk to his mother and other family members today to express our deep sorrow in person.

As a result of the Hamilton County grand jury action to indict Officer Raymond Tensing, UC Police Chief Jason Goodrich has decided to immediately dismiss Officer Tensing, and I support that decision.

Beyond the criminal investigation, the University is reviewing what has occurred and will take necessary steps to address any training, staffing and hiring policy issues that may be indicated by this tragic event. Chief Goodrich has already expressed commitment to bringing greater diversity to our police department.

As has occurred over the last several days, the University will continue to work with community partners to strengthen our commitment towards public safety best practices. We will be engaging in an external review to examine our public safety department and procedures and will address any issues that may arise.

I want to thank everyone in our UC community as well as the Cincinnati community and across the nation for their patience and understanding during the past 10 days. I am pleased that the video from Officer Tensing's body-camera has now been made public by the Hamilton County Prosecutor. We are grateful to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office for completing its investigation quickly.

Hopefully, we can now turn our attention to the frank and open discussions that we need to have and work our hardest to create a more just community, here on our UC campuses and across our nation.