(CBS DETROIT) – Former Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison is returning to the force as the city’s interim police chief.
Bettison, who worked for the Detroit Police Department for 27 years, was sworn in Tuesday by City Clerk Janice Winfrey.
“It’s nothing more than I can think of that I would want to do; it means everything,” Bettison told reporters.
Bettison takes over after Police Chief James White stepped down to become CEO of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. Longtime Detroit City Advisor Melia Howard has been named the new deputy mayor.
Bettison joined DPD in 1994 as a patrol officer and was later promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant within six years. He previously served as first assistant chief under White resign in 2022 to become deputy mayor.
Mayor Mike Duggan spoke on October 25 named Bettison interim chiefsaying, “I hate to lose him as deputy mayor, but this job is so crucial that I’m so glad we had someone ready to step in.”
Now that he is interim police chief, Bettison says he is ready to get to work.
“I’m going to lead with distinction, with honor, and I have their support,” he said.
Bettison is familiar with police operations and believes his appointment will mark a smooth transition of power within the department. Some of the key issues he focuses on are reducing crime, combating reckless driving and retaining DPD police officers.
Bettison says the goal is to build on the previous improvements under White and be as transparent as possible with the community.
“I had the support of the men and women of the Detroit Police Department and the executive leadership team that I already know. I know them, and they know me,” he said. “I’m going to be an overcommunicator, so that’s one thing you can expect from my administration.
Bettison said he knows the interim position is temporary, but believes he is the right choice for police chief and will have a permanent position.
