Interim Police Chief

Todd Bettison, who will replace James E. White, had a distinguished 27-year career at the Detroit Police Department, retiring as 1st Assistant Chief of Police – the second highest ranking member of the department – before accepting the position of Deputy Mayor in 2021. In both roles, Bettison is highly regarded and deeply respected for his leadership skills, management ability and strong connection with the community.  

Throughout his career at DPD, Bettison was one of the fastest rising members of the department. His career with DPD began in 1994 as a patrol officer. Bettison was promoted to the rank of sergeant within five years of starting his career. Just one year later, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, scoring the highest of any candidate in the department with each promotion. Bettison’s rapid rise continued as he was promoted to the ranks of Inspector, Captain, Commander, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and eventually 1st Assistant Chief in 2021 by Chief White.  

During his time with DPD, Todd Bettison was able to establish and maintain critical relationships with community members and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Bettison’s unique ability to gain the trust of the community while simultaneously earning the respect of his fellow police officers was one of the driving forces in Mayor Duggan’s decision to name Bettison Deputy Mayor in 2022.

As Deputy Mayor, Todd Bettison illustrated that his capabilities were not just exclusive to law enforcement. Bettison oversaw numerous departments:

• Detroit Fire Department
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Building Safety, Engineering, & Environmental Enforcement
• Community and Faith Based Affairs
• Civil Rights, Inclusion, & Opportunity
• Government Affairs
• Detroit Department of Transpiration
• Health Department
• Planning Department

 Bettison holds a bachelor of science Degree from Wayne State University in Criminal Justice and a graduate business certificate from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. He is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University's Staff and Command and Oakland University's Six Sigma/Lean Management Certification-Green Belt Program.