DETROIT (WJBK) -
Fox 2 contacted several top Detroit officials, the police union and former police leaders, but no one in authority wanted to talk about the latest allegations against Chief Ralph Godbee, but not everyone is keeping quiet.
We heard from a familiar Detroit cop, who said there is a fine line between personal business and what should be public, but when it starts to become a distraction something needs to be done.
"It's disappointing. I'm going to pray for the chief. Obviously, he needs help. Clearly he's lost his moral compass," said Officer John Bennett.
He called it a sad day. Chief Godbee, someone he considers a friend, was suspended for allegedly having a personal relationship with police officer Angelica Robinson. She is an underling who sources say was quickly promoted from the Child Abuse Unit to Internal Affairs around the same time their affair started over a year ago.
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"All we can do at this point is pray that he find his way. He needs some help, I do think. He needs to seek therapy," Bennett said.
Why does he say that?
"This is not the first time. It seems to be habitual."
Records show Godbee filed for divorce on August 13 citing a breakdown in his 12 year marriage. Exactly what is not clear. Sources say there have been multiple women, many within the department.
The question is have those relationships become a distraction as Detroit's top cop tries to protect a city plagued with crime and when do those personal relationships become the public's business.
As a Detroit resident, does Phyllis Tensley care?
"Yes I do because I pay his salary and I think everybody should be given a fair chance, but don't misuse it."
"It doesn't look good, but then again the city (needs) more attention on the city than personal relationships," said Kevin White.
"I'm really not surprise, but I hope they get it together and get some people in here that (are) going to do what they (are) supposed to and not what they want to," said Natasha McKinney.
It's a sex scandal that could cost Godbee his job. Mayor Dave Bing has appointed Assistant Chief Chester Logan to take over until a decision is made, one Bennett said he and his fellow officers hope is done sooner than later.
"I don't know if the mayor intends to fire him. I would hope he would do the right thing and just step down and go seek some help."
From what we understand, there is no department policy against high ranking officers dating subordinates.
We couldn't get in touch with any city council members who wanted to talk about this. A spokesperson for Gary Brown just said he supports how the mayor is handling it.
Detroit Police Officer John Bennett (Credit: WJBK)
