Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati's police chief has been fired in the wake of continuing criticism over his policing strategies and leadership.

City Manager Harry Black announced the firing of Chief Jeffrey Blackwell in a memo to the mayor and City Council on Wednesday. He wrote that Blackwell hasn't provided the necessary leadership to ensure a "cohesive operating environment" within the department.

Blackwell had come under increasing criticism in recent months and has coped with shootings, the killing of an officer and questions about his policing strategy.

The Cincinnati police union had scheduled a meeting next week where a no-confidence vote was expected to be taken.

Black said in the memo that police department morale is at an unprecedented low.

Blackwell couldn't immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

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