Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison is slated to become the interim police chief of Detroit, as reported by several sources. The appointment follows the departure of Police Chief James White, who is leaving his post to assume a new role as CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. The Detroit News indicated that Mayor Mike Duggan is expected to announce this transition during a press conference to be held at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters.
Having risen through the ranks, Bettison's history with the Detroit Police Department spans 27 years, starting as a patrol officer in 1994, and moving rapidly up to various positions including sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually 1st assistant chief upon his departure in 2022, as per Deadline Detroit. According to a profile featured on the city's official website, Bettison's diverse roles have equipped him with ample experience to lead the "Shot Stoppers" program and address community issues since becoming deputy mayor, to secure jobs for Detroit residents.
Though Bettison's career has had its contentious moments—most notably in 2007 when he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while impaired after being involved in an accident—Detroit Police Commissioner Ricardo Moore has vouched for his leadership. "He's been able to put that behind him," Moore told The Detroit News, supporting the choice of Bettison for the interim chief role.
Leaving no achievement behind, Bettison holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University and a Graduate Business Certificate from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. During the intense protests of 2020, Bettison was responsible for overseeing police operations, revealing his emotional engagement with the community when he broke down during a press briefing due to the unrest, as captured by The Detroit News.
His residence in Farmington Hills was noted in a July report from the Detroit Free Press, consistent with city disclosure statements. While the Board of Police Commissioners is tasked with searching nationally for a permanent replacement, Bettison will serve as a stabilizing figure in the interim. In his previous roles within the department and now as deputy mayor, Bettison has been commended for his work fostering community relations and managing programs to curb gun violence.
