Detroit police chief search narrows down to five candidates ahead of interview stage

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is in the process of selecting the city’s new police chief, having recently interviewed five candidates. This Thursday, they will narrow the list down to three candidates who will be presented to Mayor Mike Duggan for final selection, with the decision subject to approval by the city council. Among the candidates, interim police chief Todd Bettison is a familiar name to the community.

The list of candidates includes Todd Bettison, Police Chief Alan Fear from Lamar, Colorado, former Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley Jr., Joel Fitzgerald, an experienced police chief from various U.S. cities, and Joshua Wallace, who leads Chicago's Criminal Network Group. The inclusion of candidates who have also applied for the police chief role in Austin, Texas, adds to the diversity of their experience.

Commissioner Chair Darryl Woods highlighted the importance of selecting a candidate who prioritizes constitutional policing, community engagement, and mental health initiatives. He expressed his hope that the selected chief will embody a philosophy of serving and protecting the community, a perspective that reflects a modern approach to law enforcement.

Woods acknowledged the significance of having only one candidate from Southeast Michigan, especially following previous searches that featured all finalists from the area. He emphasized that despite the department's troubled past, he is confident in the abilities of the candidates to enhance the department's standing within the community.

Assurances were made by Woods that the new police chief would not perpetuate any history of abuse within the department. He reaffirmed a commitment to progress and improvement, stating that recommendations for the next chief could be sent to the Mayor’s office as early as Thursday evening.