DETROIT – Todd Bettison officially took the oath of office as Detroit’s interim police chief.
Tuesday’s (Nov. 12) ceremony marked another chapter in Bettison’s long-standing commitment to the city, from his early days patrolling Detroit’s streets in the 1990s to his recent role as Detroit’s Deputy Mayor.
Now, he steps into a familiar role with a renewed focus on leading the city’s police force.
Reflecting on the transition, Bettison described his shift from the mayor’s office to policing as a return to his roots.
“It’s like putting a fish back in the water, and I can swim,” said Bettison. “I’m gonna be swimming all up and down your street.”
His sense of purpose was clear during a recent roll call.
“When I did the roll call (Monday) and was looking at the young men and women in uniform, there’s nothing more that I could even think of that I would want to do,” Bettison said.
Detroiters have voiced their appreciation for White’s work, telling Local 4 they especially enjoyed his engagement within the community.
One resident said, “He did a good job. The bar is pretty high.”
Another Detroiter put it simply: “Anybody can step in, but the proof is in the pudding.”
Bettison has laid out his department’s strategic goals, which center on bolstering public safety and community trust.
His plans include hiring additional officers, increasing pay, and partnering with community groups.
He said he’s also committed to expanding neighborhood traffic enforcement and continuing to use technology to improve policing.
Above all, Bettison emphasized transparency and open communication as keys to his approach, more than hinting at his long-term commitment to the role.
“I would not give up deputy mayor to come and participate in something for like three months (being interim),” Bettison said. “You’re looking at your long-term chief.”
