BLACK mobile logo

michigan

politics

Detroit Inspector General investigating police chief after action on social media posts

September 16, 2026

Detroit's Office of Inspector General is investigating Police Chief Todd Bettison over his handling of social media posts involving activist Jahdante Smith and Mayor Mary Sheffield. The controversy centers on Bettison's August 5th phone call asking Smith to remove compromising photos of Sheffield and her ex-boyfriend Marvin Walker, followed by police seizing Smith's phone two weeks later during an unrelated investigation. Smith alleges the phone seizure was retaliation for refusing to take down the posts, while Bettison denies any improper influence and claims he acted personally rather than in his official capacity.

Who is affected

  • Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison (subject of OIG investigation)
  • Activist Jahdante Smith (phone seized, detained by police)
  • Mayor Mary Sheffield (subject of social media posts, allegations)
  • Marvin Walker (Sheffield's former boyfriend, subject of investigation)
  • Detroit residents and community members (expressing concerns at public meetings)
  • Detroit City Council and Board of Police Commissioners (receiving public comments)
  • Detroit Police Department officers and staff
  • A resident who filed the original complaint against Smith

What action is being taken

  • The Detroit Office of Inspector General is conducting an investigation into Chief Bettison
  • The FBI has taken over "the Public Corruption side of the case"
  • Detroit Police Department has transferred all cases involving Jahdante Smith and Marvin Walker to an outside law enforcement agency
  • Community members are taking their concerns to City Council and the Board of Police Commissioners at public meetings

Why it matters

  • This investigation raises serious concerns about potential abuse of police power and corruption in Detroit's municipal government. The case involves allegations that a police chief may have used his authority to protect the mayor by pressuring an activist to remove embarrassing content, followed by what appears to be retaliatory law enforcement action. The involvement of multiple oversight agencies, including the OIG and potentially the FBI, indicates the gravity of potential misconduct. The situation also highlights broader issues of government accountability, appropriate use of law enforcement resources, and the balance between personal relationships and official duties among public officials. Public trust in Detroit's police department and mayor's office is at stake.

What's next

  • The Office of Inspector General's investigation into Chief Bettison is ongoing
  • An outside law enforcement agency is handling cases involving Smith and Walker (specific agency not disclosed)
  • The FBI is reportedly handling the public corruption aspects, though they have not confirmed an active investigation
  • Smith has been seeking a meeting with Mayor Sheffield for seven months on behalf of a coalition; Bettison agreed to help arrange this meeting, but Smith says it has not been granted

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com