DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Dave Bing says he's met with the Detroit Police Commissioner over his restructuring plan for the department and wants to continue to move forward with it.
Bing on Thursday said he had appointed two new assistant chiefs -- Janice Butler was lured out of retirement and named to become assistant chief for administration, while deputy chief Paul Welles has been moved up to assistant chief for patrol and investigation.
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Police Commissioner Jerome Warfield had said he hadn't yet approved the appointments and was disappointed that Bing had gone public with them.
Bing said Warfield, himself and interim Police Chief Chester Logan met Friday.
"It has always been my understanding that we were all on the same page, relative to making structural changes within the police department that would make the department more efficient and effective in its efforts to reduce crime in our city. I am confident after today's meeting that we will move forward with our restructuring plan, which is designed to better serve the critical public safety needs of our citizens," Bing said.
The mayor says the changes are designed to improve police operations and reduce crime.
"As a result of our meeting today, the search for a new police chief is moving forward. Additionally, at our next meeting there will be a presentation made by the Detroit Police Department to detail the Mayor's proposed restructuring plan. The Board of Police Commissioners will be prepared to make a decision on the plan at that meeting. The Board of Commissioners has always worked with and supported the public safety efforts of both the Mayor and the Chief of Police, to make sure our citizens are safe and secure," Warfield said.
Commander James White also has been moved up to deputy chief, while two deputy chiefs under ex-chief Ralph Godbee have been reassigned.
Godbee resigned last month after a female subordinate revealed the two had been in a sexual relationship.
Bing says 26 officers will be promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and inspector ranks.