Detroit Interim Chief Promoted to Lead Department

Detroit interim police chief Todd Bettinson has been promoted to chief. Prior to rejoining the department he served as deputy mayor.Detroit PD/Twitter

Interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison has been promoted to officially lead the Detroit Police Department. Bettison previously served as deputy mayor before Mayor Mike Duggan appointed him to temporarily fill the role after former Chief James White left his job to be the CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. Earlier this month, Duggan recommended that the council approve Bettison's appointment.

"I cannot think of a better person to carry on the work of DPD than yourself," City Council President Mary Sheffield told Bettison. "(I am) extremely excited to work with you."

Bettison will receive a salary of $243,152, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Sheffield asked Bettison — per a question from the public comment segment — about ways to reduce lawsuits and indemnifications hitting the council's table, especially with accidents involving first responder vehicles. Bettison said he met with vendors Monday to discuss technology that would alert the public when a police or other emergency responder vehicle is responding to an incident. He said he anticipates running a pilot program.

"It will interrupt your radio to let you know that a first responder vehicle is approaching in an emergency capacity. It'll be a safety enhancement for the community, for the first responders themselves; reduce accidents, and it's going to reduce costs," Bettison said.