FULL INTERVIEW| DPD Chief Bettison EXCLUSIVE: Drones, “Murder Music,” and Violence Prevention
In an exclusive interview with Fox 2's Hilary Golston, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison confirmed plans to launch “first responder drones” within eight months a first for Michigan’s largest department. Bettison says the technology will enhance safety by assessing scenes before officers arrive while maintaining privacy rights. The chief also discussed the city’s new $10.5 million commitment to violence intervention, his view that “murder music” influences as much as 80 percent of youth violence, and why he believes Detroit doesn’t need the National Guard. From facial recognition to Green Light cameras, Bettison says transparency is key and admits, “yes we do now” live in a surveillance state.
In an exclusive interview with Fox 2's Hilary Golston, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison confirmed plans to launch “first responder drones” within eight months a first for Michigan’s largest department. Bettison says the technology will enhance safety by assessing scenes before officers arrive while maintaining privacy rights. The chief also discussed the city’s new $10.5 million commitment to violence intervention, his view that “murder music” influences as much as 80 percent of youth violence, and why he believes Detroit doesn’t need the National Guard. From facial recognition to Green Light cameras, Bettison says transparency is key and admits, “yes we do now” live in a surveillance state.
Detroit police to add drones for crime fighting
The chief is calling them “first responder drones" and they are coming to the state’s largest police department.
The chief is calling them “first responder drones" and they are coming to the state’s largest police department.
Detroit police execute search warrant at the wrong home during family movie night
Family movie night was interrupted by police and guns when a search warrant was served to the wrong people, leaving the Detroit family terrified.
Family movie night was interrupted by police and guns when a search warrant was served to the wrong people, leaving the Detroit family terrified.
'The right way': Detroit police defend tasing man with criminal record, allegedly in the eye
A man claims he was tased in the eye by Detroit Police Officer. However, the police say they did the right thing when he didn’t cooperate.
A man claims he was tased in the eye by Detroit Police Officer. However, the police say they did the right thing when he didn’t cooperate.
Detroit police: 'Quite frankly concerned' about officer's controversial scanner call
A deputy chief with Detroit police told FOX 2 that if an officer did switch a number while entering information from a crash report, it would be “completely against our policy."
A deputy chief with Detroit police told FOX 2 that if an officer did switch a number while entering information from a crash report, it would be “completely against our policy."
'Accidentally change one digit': Detroit police investigate instruction sent over scanner
An eye-raising instruction was sent out over the Detroit police scanner overnight Thursday, suggesting an officer intentionally alter information in their report.
An eye-raising instruction was sent out over the Detroit police scanner overnight Thursday, suggesting an officer intentionally alter information in their report.
Detroit police partners with DWIHN to improve response to mental health calls
Detroit officers are often the first line of defense to handle mental health crises, but now there is a new pilot program to change all of that.
Detroit officers are often the first line of defense to handle mental health crises, but now there is a new pilot program to change all of that.
Detroit police search for woman tied to random assaults in downtown
Police are searching for a woman who they say is behind random assaults in downtown Detroit.
Police are searching for a woman who they say is behind random assaults in downtown Detroit.
Detroit church arson: Public asked to identify man holding turkey baster near fire
Officials have released an image of a person-of-interest in a suspected arson case from last April. A joint investigation is hoping to track down the individual responsible for burning down a church.
Officials have released an image of a person-of-interest in a suspected arson case from last April. A joint investigation is hoping to track down the individual responsible for burning down a church.
Farmington Hills man charged with drunk hit-and-run that left woman dead
He is accused of driving drunk in the fatal crash last Thursday at Eight Mile Road and Schoenherr, then leaving the scene.
He is accused of driving drunk in the fatal crash last Thursday at Eight Mile Road and Schoenherr, then leaving the scene.
Detroit police provide update on teen critically injured in hit-and-run
Detroit police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a 14-year-old critically injured Saturday night on Seven Mile Road near Archdale Street.
Detroit police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a 14-year-old critically injured Saturday night on Seven Mile Road near Archdale Street.
Detroit family targeted by firebombing in escalating series of attacks
Family believe the fire, which was caught on home security footage, is because of a previous relationship the son had been in.
Family believe the fire, which was caught on home security footage, is because of a previous relationship the son had been in.
Man sexually assaulted woman in porta-potty at Detroit park, police say
Detroit police say they have one man in custody after he allegedly raped a woman in a porta-potty earlier this week.
Detroit police say they have one man in custody after he allegedly raped a woman in a porta-potty earlier this week.
Detroit hospital shooter at large after gunman kills ex-wife, prompting lockdown
Where is Mario Green? That's the question on the minds of Detroit police, hospital staff, and others after he allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife in the basement of Henry Ford Hospital late Friday morning.
Where is Mario Green? That's the question on the minds of Detroit police, hospital staff, and others after he allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife in the basement of Henry Ford Hospital late Friday morning.
Henry Ford Hospital shooting in Detroit: Gunman killed ex-wife before fleeing
A gunman is at large after Detroit police say he shot his ex-wife at Henry Ford Hospital and fleeing in a white Dodge Charger.
A gunman is at large after Detroit police say he shot his ex-wife at Henry Ford Hospital and fleeing in a white Dodge Charger.
Ex-Detroit police officer charged in domestic violence case
A former Detroit police officer has been charged in the assault of a 26-year-old St. Clair Shores woman.
A former Detroit police officer has been charged in the assault of a 26-year-old St. Clair Shores woman.
Detroit police unveil Emerald Alert for serious missing persons cases
“Through Detroit Alert 365 residents will subscribe, will now have urgent notifications when a young child is unaccounted for, when a person with special needs goes missing, when foul play is suspected, when kidnapping occurs," she said.
“Through Detroit Alert 365 residents will subscribe, will now have urgent notifications when a young child is unaccounted for, when a person with special needs goes missing, when foul play is suspected, when kidnapping occurs," she said.
Detroit family grief-stricken after double shooting kills two
Family members were seen crying on the side of Bewick Street late Thursday morning after gun violence broke out, littering the pavement with shell casings and tragedy.
Family members were seen crying on the side of Bewick Street late Thursday morning after gun violence broke out, littering the pavement with shell casings and tragedy.
Detroit Police top Fire in annual charity softball game
It was the 10th matchup between the two squads when they gathered at the Corner Ballpark to do battle for charity.
It was the 10th matchup between the two squads when they gathered at the Corner Ballpark to do battle for charity.
Feds arrest Detroit serial rapist
Deandre Martece Williams was on a three-month crime spree in Detroit and has been described as nightmarish, with at least 15 victims in all, including multiple rapes and shootings, armed robberies, kidnapping, and possibly a murder.
Deandre Martece Williams was on a three-month crime spree in Detroit and has been described as nightmarish, with at least 15 victims in all, including multiple rapes and shootings, armed robberies, kidnapping, and possibly a murder.