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Detroit council confirms Todd Bettison as permanent police chief
Summary
By unanimous voice consent the City Council approved the appointment of Interim Chief Todd Bettison as Detroit—s chief of police; Bettison told council he plans technology pilots and training to reduce emergency-vehicle accidents and liabilities.
The City Council voted on Feb. 18 to appoint Todd Bettison as chief of the Detroit Police Department. Council Member Letitia Johnson moved for approval of the appointment, and the council approved it without objection; a waiver was attached to the appointment resolution.
Johnson opened the item by moving approval: "Madam President move for approval online item 16.1. This is to appoint Todd Bettison to chief of police for the city of Detroit." Bettison joined the meeting virtually and addressed the council before the vote.
Bettison described planned measures to reduce vehicle accidents and related liability, including piloting a technology that would notify the public of approaching emergency vehicles via an app and radio interruptions, and continuing remedial training for officers when incidents occur. "It will be a safety enhancement for the community, for the first responders themselves, reduce accidents, and it's gonna reduce costs," Bettison said.
Council members who spoke in support recounted Bettison—s prior community work and experience. Council Member Coleman A. Young II and others gave examples of Bettison—s community response and casework. The council noted the police commission had conducted its review and that the Board of Police Commissioners was represented in the session.
The council approved the appointment with no objections during the formal session. The city recorded the waiver on the item and the appointment moved forward without a roll-call tally recorded in the transcript at the time of passage.
Ending: Council members thanked Bettison for his service and said they anticipated collaboration on public-safety strategies and risk-reduction initiatives.
