Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan names Todd Bettison his top pick for police chief
(CBS DETROIT) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan named interim Detroit police chief Todd Bettison as his top pick for the city's permanent chief of police Monday morning.
Bettison, who was previously the city's deputy mayor, has been serving as the city's interim police chief following the resignation of James White, who was named the president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network in November 2024. Bettison served with the Detroit Police Department for 27 years, including as first assistant chief under White before stepping down in 2022 to become deputy mayor.
"Detroit has become a national leader in reducing violent crime and Todd has been a big part of that, between his record of accomplishment during his career at DPD, his leadership developing our community violence intervention work, as well as the deep trust and respect he has within DPD and in the community," said Duggan. "I am confident that as permanent Chief, Todd will continue and build on this trend."
"I deeply appreciate Mayor Duggan's confidence in me and the opportunities he has given me to make such a profound impact in the city I love," said Bettison. "If the honorable City Council sees fit, I look forward to building on the great work the men and women of the Detroit Police Department, our CVI partners and citizens across the city have done to make sure all Detroiters and their guests can have an expectation of safety wherever they go in our city." The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners recently presented its top three candidates to Duggan. Bettison, Joel Fitzgerald, a longtime police chief in several cities across the country, and Joshua Wallace, commander of Chicago's Criminal Network Group were the board's top candidates.
"Our criteria is that this person is focused on constitutional policing, that this person is community-oriented, that this person believes in serving and protecting and not just protecting and serving. Someone who believes in mental health first aid. Someone who believes in CIT," said Commissioner Chair Darryl Woods.
During Duggan's announcement Monday, the mayor noted the city's homicide rate has dropped 20% over the last three months.
According to the city, Bettison joined DPD in 1994 as a patrol officer and was promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant within six years.
Bettison graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University and holds a graduate business certificate from the Mike Ilitch School of Business, according to his city biography.
On Monday, Bettison thanked the numerous community partners he's worked with during his law enforcement career and was clear in his mission to be Detroit's top cop.
"It's about keeping everyone safe," he said. "If you live in the city of Detroit, if you're visiting the city of Detroit, if you're a police officer, no matter who you are, you're a senior citizen and you're a youth, it's about keeping you safe."
The Detroit City Council now has 30 days to vote on Duggan's recommendation.
