By Detroit Free Press

Published: Monday, October 8, 2012, 9:46 p.m.
Updated: Monday, October 8, 2012

DETROIT — Detroit police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. has retired effective immediately amid a scandal involving his relationship with a female officer in the department, Mayor Dave Bing announced at a news conference Monday morning.

Bing said he met with Godbee on Sunday. He said he did not force Godbee to resign, but he said it had become clear the chief had to step down.

Assistant Chief Chester Logan will serve as interim chief.

“I think this was the right decision by the chief, and therefore I support it,” Bing said.

Bing said he had gotten to know Godbee well and respected him as a leader.

“It bothers, hurts me a great deal that it has come to this,” Bing said. “I worry about him and hope that he'll be able to get on with his life no longer as part of the Detroit Police Department, but as a citizen of Detroit.” Under the new charter approved last year, the Board of Police Commissioners is charged with using a search firm to conduct the search for a new chief. Bing will then appoint the chief from a list of candidate provided by the board, but his pick is subject to approval by the City Council.

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