Detroit Inspector General Investigates Police Chief Call
The OIG is reviewing a phone call between Chief Todd Bettison and activist Jahdante Smith regarding social media posts.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Detroit Office of Inspector General has launched an investigation into a phone call made by Police Chief Todd Bettison to activist Jahdante Smith. During the call, Bettison requested the removal of social media posts featuring Mayor Mary Sheffield and Marvin Walker.
Why it matters
The investigation centers on whether the police chief's request to remove content constitutes improper conduct or intimidation. While Bettison claims he acted as a private citizen, Smith has characterized the recorded communication as an attempt at intimidation.
The Office of Inspector General is conducting an active investigation into the interaction, which maintains strict confidentiality. Once the process is complete, the office is authorized by the city charter to issue formal recommendations.
The players
Todd Bettison
He is the Detroit Police Chief who requested the removal of social media posts during a recorded phone call.
Jahdante Smith
He is an activist who characterized the phone call from the police chief as an act of intimidation.
Mary Sheffield
She is the Mayor of Detroit who declined to comment on the investigation during a public event.
Marvin Walker
He is an individual whose likeness was featured in the social media posts that the police chief requested to be removed.
Office of Inspector General
This is the Detroit city agency responsible for investigating government conduct and issuing formal recommendations.
The details
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Southwest Detroit on September 22, 2026, Mayor Mary Sheffield declined to provide comment on the investigation. The inquiry follows an August 2026 phone call where the chief asked for the removal of photographs from social media.
Timeline
The phone call between Todd Bettison and Jahdante Smith occurred in August 2026.
Mayor Mary Sheffield declined to comment to the media on September 22, 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation operates under the authority of the Detroit City Charter, which mandates oversight for city officials. This process follows a pattern of municipal accountability mechanisms designed to review the conduct of high-ranking public servants.
The investigation directly impacts the community by raising questions about the intersection of private and professional conduct for city leadership. Residents may look toward the final OIG report to understand the boundaries established for municipal officials in Detroit.
The takeaway
This case highlights the tensions between public oversight and the private actions of city officials. Citizens should monitor the official OIG report to understand the resulting guidelines for future interactions between law enforcement and local activists.
What happens next
The Office of Inspector General will release its full investigation report regarding the phone call to the public via its online portal upon the conclusion of its review.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight and internal review processes on the Law Enforcement section page.
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