Detroit police chief won’t terminate two officers who contacted Border Patrol amid traffic stops
Reversing a stance he publicly took beforehand within the case, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says he’ll concur with a 30-day suspension of two officers and not pursue their terminations.
Bettison issued that assertion on Friday, following up on Thursday’s vote from the Board of Police Commissioners to droop a police sergeant and an officer.
The police chief mentioned final week that I have planned to terminate both officers after they contacted US Customs and Border Protection throughout two separate traffic stops, including that their actions have been towards the division’s coverage. The calls, Bettison mentioned, resulted within the people being detained by federal brokers. Should there be translation companies required, the division has a contract with an organization that may accomplish that.
“There’s absolutely no reason to contact federal law enforcement agencies to assist with translation services,” he mentioned beforehand in regards to the investigation.
The two incidents occurred on Dec. 16, 2025, and Feb. 9, 2026. A routine audit of body-worn cameras introduced the incidents to their consideration.
The matter got here earlier than the police fee conferences on Feb. 12 and once more on Thursday.
Both officers have been initially suspended with pay.
The police chief requested the fee on Feb. 12 for suspensions with out pay. Those 30-day unpaid suspensions have been ordered on Thursday.
In a written assertion launched Friday, Bettison mentioned:
“Policies are meant to provide structure and limits for officers to protect them and citizens alike. When policies are not followed, whether in this matter or DPD’s no-pursuit policy, it puts the community at risk.
“I help the actions of the board as the last word self-discipline for these officers. The Board had the chance to overview all of the video and think about all of the details and circumstances of their resolution. The position of the Board is to function an oversight physique and a examine and stability for the police division and I absolutely respect its position. Therefore, I’m glad with the Board’s resolution and I cannot be pursuing termination of those two officers.
“This incident should make it clear, however, that as Chief, I will continue to vigorously enforce DPD’s policies.”
