(CBS DETROIT) – The Detroit Police Department will soon have a new leader after the city announced Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison as interim police chief.
“This job is so critical and I’m so glad we had someone ready to step in,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
Before this new role, Bettison spent nearly 30 years with the Detroit Police Department. Bettison was appointed next Friday Chief James White announced he is resigning to become CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
“James White and he (Bettison) have the same mentality, I think; he’s very community-oriented, the community loves him… and I think that’s one of the reasons why Mayor Duggan appointed him deputy mayor,” former Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt told CBS News Detroit.
Dolunt worked with Bettison for years before retiring from the department. He believes the city will be in good hands.
Meanwhile, the Board of Police Commissioners will begin their national search.
“We need a police chief who is actually committed to the job. It’s a very important position, and I don’t think Detroiters want us to change chiefs every few years,” said Commissioner Willie Burton.
Burton says some citizens have reached out about who to nominate. Burton wants a candidate who can protect the civil liberties of Detroiters.
“We definitely want someone who will listen to people’s needs and come up with new ways of policing,” Burton said.
During Friday’s announcement, Bettison added that he believes he is best suited for the permanent role. With the mayoral election in 2025, CBS News Detroit found it could limit the number of candidates vying for the job.
“Why would anyone realistically want this job knowing that come November of next year there might be a new mayor who might want to pick his own police chief,” Dolunt said.
Whether Bettison gets the permanent job, some hope he will work to strengthen the relationship between Detroiters and the department as interim chief.
“I think it’s a stepping stone for Todd, and I think it’s good for the city,” Dolunt said.
White’s last day is set for November 10, while Bettision will take on the interim role the following day.
Terell Bailey
