Detroit, MI

Todd Bettison sworn in as Detroit’s interim police chief: “I am going to lead with distinction”

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2024

Todd Bettison sworn in as Detroit’s interim police chief: “I am going to lead with distinction”

(CBS DETROIT) – Former Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison returns to the police force as the city’s interim police chief.

Bettison, who worked in the Detroit Police Department for 27 years, was sworn in on 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. The City of Detroit’s longtime 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 served as first assistant chief under White before stepping down in 2022 to become deputy mayor.

On Oct. 25, Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Bettison as interim chief, saying, “I hate to lose him as Deputy Mayor, but this job is so critical that I’m just so pleased we had somebody ready to step in.”

Now as interim police chief, Bettison says he’s ready to get to work.

“I am going to lead with distinction, with honor, and I got their back,” he said.

Bettison is familiar with police operations and believes his appointment will be a smooth transition of power within the department. Some of the most important issues he’s focusing on are reducing crime, slowing down reckless driving and retaining DPD police officers.

Bettison says the goal is to build on the past improvements under White and be as transparent as possible for the community.

“I got the support of the men and women in the Detroit Police Department as well as the executive leadership team who I already know. I know them, and they know me,” he said. “I am going to be an over-communicator, so that’s one thing you can expect from my administration.

Bettison says he knows that the interim position is temporary but believes he is the right choice for police chief and will be permanent.

Gino Vicci

Gino Vicci was born and raised in Detroit. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rochester College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. At Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, he obtained a master’s degree.

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Detroit, MI

Teen on moped hit by car after cruising through stop sign in Detroit

Published

8 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Teen on moped hit by car after cruising through stop sign in Detroit

article

Photos by FOX 2 Photog Scott Federspiel

DETROIT (FOX 2) – A 16-year-old moped driver was hospitalized after a crash on Detroit’s west side on Wednesday night.

The backstory:

Detroit police say the teen disregarded a stop sign while going east on Vassar when he collided with a vehicle turning south on Outer Drive at about 9:30 p.m.

Photos by FOX 2 Photog Scott Federspiel

The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where he is listed in critical condition. The driver of the car, a woman in her 30s, was not injured.

The Source: Information for this report is from Detroit police.

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Detroit, MI

Chickens, geese found at vacant home after nonprofit reports them stolen

Published

18 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Chickens, geese found at vacant home after nonprofit reports them stolen

Chickens and geese that went missing from a local nonprofit’s Detroit site were found in the backyard of a nearby home, the director of operations said Wednesday.

The Full Circle Foundation, a Grosse Point Park-based nonprofit, said more than a dozen chickens and geese were believed stolen from a chicken coop on Detroit’s east side that also features the Full Circle Edible Garden.

The nonprofit provides training and job opportunities for young people with special needs.

Neighbors who learned from news reports about the missing flock found the “chickens were being held in the backyard of a vacant home not far from the Full Circle Edible Garden,” said Stephanie DiVirgil, director of operations. She said Ribbon Farm 4-H owns the flock.

“The homeowner was contacted, and she reached out to Full Circle to confirm,” said DiVirgil. “We were able to retrieve all of the chickens and geese that were found on the property, 19 in total.”

The foundation and Ribbon Farms 4-H are working to secure the site, including cameras, fencing and lights.

“We will likely start a fundraising campaign to have these items installed,” DiVirgil said. “We’ve gotten amazing support from the community, including offers to help pay for these additional security measures.”

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