DETROIT (WWJ) — The city of Detroit officially has a new police chief.
Detroit City Council on Tuesday voted 9-0 to approve Mayor Mike Duggan's recommendation that Todd Bettison, who has been serving in the role on an interim basis since early November, be appointed full-time.
Bettison served as Deputy Mayor since 2021 before taking the interim role following the departure of James White, who left DPD to become the CEO of Detroit Wayne Integrate Health Network, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping people with mental health issues.
Prior to becoming deputy mayor, Bettison spent 27 years in multiple roles at DPD, ultimately retiring as 1st Assistant Chief — the department's second-highest ranking member — to transition to his new role in Duggan's office.
Last Monday Duggan recommended Bettison in front of the council, praising him for his leadership skills.
"We had a chance to evaluate acting Chief Bettison in his job for three months now. There is an outstanding leadership team at the Detroit Police Department. You didn't see anybody bolting for other places; That team stayed unified behind him and they continued to do an excellent job," Duggan said last week.
On Tuesday City Council President Mary Sheffield gave Bettison the stamp of approval.
"I definitely just wanted to thank you, chief Bettison, for your long work here in the city of Detroit. I could not think of a better person to carry on the work of DPD than yourself. I'm extremely excited to work with you. You've always just been someone who's open and willing to work with everyone," Sheffield said.
Bettison told the city council he has been humbled by the support he has received from city officials and residents alike.
"I'm just very grateful to the citizens of Detroit," Bettison said, noting he received many comments of support during his time as interim chief.
More on today's top stories:
