Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison Named Interim Chief of Police Amid Leadership Transition

Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison as the Interim Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department (DPD), following the announcement of Chief James E. White’s upcoming departure. White, who has served Detroit for three years as Chief, will leave the department to become the new CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. As Interim Chief, Bettison will step into a role where he brings extensive law enforcement experience and deep-rooted community relationships.

Todd Bettison’s career with DPD spans over 27 years, beginning as a patrol officer in 1994. Rising quickly through the ranks, Bettison became one of the department’s fastest-promoted officers. By 2021, he held the title of 1st Assistant Chief, the second-highest position within DPD. This position underscored his strong leadership capabilities and deep understanding of the department’s operations. In 2021, Bettison transitioned to the Mayor’s Office as Deputy Mayor, where his role expanded beyond policing. He oversaw multiple city departments, including the Detroit Fire Department, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Civil Rights, and Community Affairs. This experience has further prepared him to lead DPD through this transitional period.

Mayor Duggan expressed his confidence in Bettison’s capacity to step into the Interim Chief role, citing his broad respect within the community and his proven track record. “Todd is more than qualified to lead and continue the great work started by Chief White,” Duggan said. “He has the respect and support of our officers, our law enforcement partners, and the community, and I am confident that he’ll do a great job.”

Community trust has been a cornerstone of Bettison’s approach throughout his career. His experience includes fostering relationships with grassroots organizations and collaborative work with law enforcement agencies across local, state, and federal levels. His commitment to a community-centered policing approach has earned him respect from many Detroit residents. Bettison’s work extends to programs such as the ShotStoppers initiative, a community violence intervention effort aimed at reducing violent crime through direct involvement with residents. Since its inception, ShotStoppers has contributed to a significant decline in crime rates, particularly in neighborhoods previously identified as high-risk.

Bettison’s approach aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to create safer communities by working directly with residents and stakeholders. As Interim Chief, he intends to continue the work Chief White began, building on progress made toward reducing violent crime in Detroit. Bettison expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead DPD at this time, saying, “When Mayor Duggan offered me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Detroit as Interim Chief of Police, it was an honor I could not refuse. Chief White and his leadership team have done an excellent job reducing crime, and I look forward to working with our residents to continue these reductions.”

The upcoming leadership transition at DPD comes as the city prepares for a national search for a permanent Chief of Police. Under the City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for conducting this search and generating a list of qualified candidates. Once the board presents the final list, Mayor Duggan will interview and select the candidate for the permanent Chief position, who must then be confirmed by a majority vote of Detroit’s City Council. The Mayor has expressed hopes of having a new Chief selected and confirmed within the next 60-90 days. Bettison has indicated that he intends to apply for the permanent position, bringing his extensive experience and community-oriented approach to the selection process.

Chief James White, the outgoing Chief, offered words of support for Bettison as he prepares to take on this new role. Reflecting on his time with DPD, White acknowledged the dedication and hard work of his officers and the progress made toward public safety under his leadership. He expressed confidence that Bettison would continue to uphold the department’s commitment to the community. “Serving as Chief of the Detroit Police Department has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” White stated. “I am proud to pass the torch to Todd Bettison, who has served alongside me as 1st Assistant Chief. Todd is conscientious, community-oriented, and extremely talented. I am confident that he will lead DPD well.”

Bettison’s focus as Interim Chief will be to sustain and further advance the community-based initiatives that have taken root under White’s leadership. Programs like ShotStoppers highlight his commitment to addressing violent crime through collaborative, community-focused efforts. Under Bettison’s leadership, the program has already led to notable crime reductions in some of Detroit’s most impacted neighborhoods, with decreases in violence ranging between 30% and 70% in certain areas. This program has also contributed to an overall decline of 23% in crime across the city.

The interim appointment of Bettison has already garnered support from various members of the Board of Police Commissioners. Darryl Woods, the Chair of the Board, spoke on behalf of the board, sharing his enthusiasm for Bettison’s leadership during this transitional period. “We look forward to conducting a national search to fulfill our charter duties,” Woods stated. “However, Todd Bettison has already proven to be an effective leader with a strong commitment to serving and protecting Detroit’s residents.”

As Detroit moves forward in its search for a new Chief, Bettison’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in DPD’s leadership. His background and community connections position him as a trusted figure who understands the challenges faced by Detroit residents and the importance of working hand-in-hand with the community to foster a safer city. With the support of DPD officers, community partners, and Detroit’s residents, Bettison’s interim role is a testament to the city’s dedication to continuity, stability, and progress.