Todd Bettison Will Remain Detroit Police Chief Under Incoming Administration

Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield officially announced the reappointment of Chief Todd Bettison as the city’s chief of police on Tuesday. Throughout her campaign, Sheffield emphasized Bettison's pivotal role in the significant reduction of violent crime through effective community violence intervention strategies. According to city reports, Detroit has experienced unprecedented declines in violent crime since Bettison assumed the chief position. Notably, homicide rates have reached their lowest point in decades, while nonfatal shootings decreased by 50% from 2022 to 2024. Carjackings have also seen a substantial reduction of 71% since 2015. Together, Sheffield and Bettison plan to establish a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention, collaborating with grassroots partners to engage residents in public safety discussions. Bettison expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his service, emphasizing a shared commitment to neighborhood safety and ongoing crime reduction efforts. With nearly 30 years in the Detroit Police Department, Bettison aims to enhance community safety and effective collaboration with local entities.