Rising up through the ranks: Former patrol officer John Seto is Ann Arbor's new police chief
Nearly four months after being appointed Ann Arbor's interim police chief, Deputy Chief John Seto is taking over the position of top cop on a more permanent basis.
Mayor John Hieftje said the decision was made by City Administrator Steve Powers after reviewing multiple applications for the position.
Seto's appointment to the position on a full-time basis is being brought forward at Monday night's City Council meeting as a recommendation from Powers. Hieftje is confident other council members will join him in confirming Seto's appointment.
"It's clear that John was the most qualified person," Hieftje said. "And I think even during the interim period, he has far above proven himself. I've gotten just really strong feedback from the community regarding his ability and leadership and I witness it myself."
John Seto, saluting at a Sept. 11 memorial service this past year, is the Ann Arbor Police Department's new chief after briefly holding the position on an interim basis.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"It's an honor to be offered the position," he said. "I'm grateful to be able to continue my services to the city as safety services administrator. I'm also thankful because I know the quality of people who work in both the police and fire departments. We have great people who are dedicated to providing outstanding public safety services to the community."
Seto has worked for the Ann Arbor Police Department for more than 20 years and has extensive patrol, detective and management experience. He started as a patrol officer in 1990 and is believed to be the first police chief in decades to organically rise up through the department's ranks, as opposed to the city appointing a chief externally.
"An internal promotion of a candidate who meets the position's requirements of leadership, management experience, community involvement, judgment and trustworthiness is healthy for the police department," Powers said in a statement.
The safety services administrator is responsible for the administrative supervision and leadership of police services, fire services and emergency management, with a combined budget of $39 million and 228 employees. Seto will report to Powers.
Pending confirmation of his appointment by the City Council, Seto's new annual salary will be $123,000. Barnett Jones, the city's last police chief, had a base salary of $126,500.
Jones announced in February that he planed to retire at the end of March. When he left, following years of budget cutbacks in both the police and fire departments, he said he was ready to retire after nearly 40 years in law enforcement. But less than a month later, he accepted a job as public safety administrator for the city of Flint.
City records show Jones made $137,632 in total wages in calendar year 2011, while Seto made $116,462 as deputy chief. Seto's listed base salary was $108,264.
Greg Bazick, the Ann Arbor Police Department's other deputy chief, made $119,038 in total wages in 2011. His listed base salary was $109,366.
The police department's budget for the fiscal year that started July 1 includes funding for two deputy chiefs. Seto said he hasn't yet decided who might fill his old position.
"It's hard work but it's been rewarding," he said of his short time as police chief. "I'm really grateful to continue because I have a great love and passion for this police department."
Hieftje said he meets with Seto every week to review crime statistics and trends and to discuss general public safety issues facing Ann Arbor.
"John has really stepped up enforcement downtown," Hieftje said. "We're seeing the bicycle police again and we're seeing the police on foot.
"And the arrest rate, I think, is interesting because people do crimes and they get caught," he added. "We had some armed robberies earlier in the year. We had four perpetrators and three are under arrest now and we're hot on the trail of the fourth one."
Esther Choi, daughter of the Broadway Party Store's owner, spoke before the City Council in May about an April 9 incident in which her father was robbed at gunpoint. At the time, the perpetrators were still on the loose and the family wanted the case resolved.
Seto arranged a meeting to discuss the case with the family. A few days later, Ann Arbor police arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of being part of the brazen robbery duo.
The case is still under investigation and the department is actively working to catch the second robber. At this time, only the one suspect has been charged.
Seto has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and graduated magna cum laude. He has continued his education and professional development at EMU as well as with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and holds firefighter certifications.
In addition to his policing experience, his administrative experience includes employee relations and labor negotiations and budget preparation and management. He was appointed deputy police chief for the operations division in 2008.
"Our primary focus is always going to be public safety and we'll continue to develop our relationships and partnerships with the community," Seto said of his plan going forward. "I think we have the foundation, so we want to continue to reach out to the community, whether it's the businesses or the neighborhoods, to attend meetings and hear concerns."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
MRunner73
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
Good to see the City appointed one of it's own. That doesn't happen as much, these days.
Jim Osborn
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
I wish the new chief well, I'm glad that he is a local man. John Seto knows the force, the job, and has even been seen in action for a few months. The city didn't need to waste a lot on headhunter fees. He also does not seem like he is a job hopper or publicity hound, which is great.
RJA
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
Great decision!! Congrats Chief John Seto !!
Becky Stanford
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
You were destined for greatness..... congrats, may God continue to bless you.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
I wish you the best Chief Seto!
Cendra Lynn
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Congratulations, John! So well deserved. So long overdue. It is an honor and a privilege to work as a citizen volunteer for you guys, and now it is so great not to have someone who has to learn our unique Ann Arbor style. You get it. You've always got it. It's a big job but you've got the feet to fill the shoes. Thank you for your service!
Diane
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Congratulations John, a well deserved position. From the Johnson Family.
Dominick Lanza
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
Congratulations to John Seto it was a pleasure to work with him the year I was in Ann Arbor. I support hiring qualified persons from within. When I was hired it was the Cities choice to go outside and I was grateful to be selected. When I left the City looked at existing personnel and promoted from within. When that happens it gives the other employees the idea that they too can rise to the top. Congrats John
CaptainD
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
I have never met City Administrator Steve Powers, but I have to admire the wisdom he has shown by recommending John Seto for the Chief's position at AAPD. Since the retirement of Chief Walt Krasny in 1979, EVERY chief has come from outside the ranks of current qualified personnel. In acknowledgement of varying degrees of competency of those appointments, there was at least a very trying period for the new Chief, as well as the department, as everybody got "acquainted." The adage of "A new broom sweeps clean" was evident, and things that worked well were changed, just for the sake of change. AAPD, as with any organization, needs STABILITY, not perpetual changes. With John Seto as the new Chief of Police, I see great times ahead for the Department.
Neal Elyakin
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Congratulations to the new chief. Chief Seto has been an active, visible and very positive representative of the AAPD in the community for years. Bravo! Best of everything, Chief!
Ken
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Congratulations Chief Seto. Good to have an internal promotion for once.
Hmm
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
You guys need to get a better picture of the new chief, preferably one where he is facing the camera so we can fully see his face. Took me a whole .8 seconds to figure out who was the chief in that one you have now
olddog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
This is a great decision. I hope the school board is listening. We spend lots of money training our government employees and then we turn our back on them, hire expensive head hunters and hire outside. This is wonderful that are putting faith in our own people.
tomnspats
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
a great point.Why not hire from within.
YpsilantiLoyalOne
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Welll said olddog!
Lou Perry
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Right man, right job.
Major
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
Congratulations Chief Seto!
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
My first question for Mr. Seto is this: When was it found necessary for Ann Arbor Police patrol cars to carry "military-style" M4 assault rifles between the front passenger seats, in full view of the public? By "military style," I mean equipped with Picatinny rails and SWAT-style mounted accessories. Is there something the average citizen of Ann Arbor should know? How dangerous is it out there for the police, such that it justifies the issuance of high-capacity, high-velocity assault rifles to average officers?
SW40
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/us/defying-trends-killings-of-police-officers-are-on-the-rise.html Here is an article why I'm ok with our officers carrying ar-15's. Now to answer your question as to why they have them, here are a few quick responses that hopefully you think are valid and not just empty arguments like some have posted. Distance: Pistols and Shotguns have a limited range and while I agree that the possibility exists to have rifle rounds over-penetrate there are situations when an officer's pistol or shotgun are not appropriate an example is a few years ago two Allen Park offcers and a state trooper were all pinned down for several hours waiting on swat while a maniac was firing rifle rounds at them. A second recent situation in Howell where a military veteran attacked officers with a rifle. The suspect was trained and the officers were lucky to not have been killed. Magazine capacity: Most shotguns hold 5 to 6 rounds with one chambered and with a aftermarket sleeve another 5 rounds. AR-15 style rifles carry around 30 rounds with other magazines carried very easily in an officer's pocket. Penetrating Ability: I know this can be a negative aspect as well but should an officer engage a subject who is wearing body armor most pistol rounds and several shotgun loads are useless. To be honest I wish we didn't live in a world where our police officers needed to carry rifles but we do and that isn't an idictment on our officers as much as it is an indictment on our society, culture morality or lack there of. Do I think every person wearing a badge is a good cop, NO! But do our law enforcement officers deserve to at minimum to have the weapons to protect themselves in any situation, YES! We may disagree but I really don't think police departments are carrying these weapons as use of force to scare the public, I think they just want to adaquately outfit there people.
GoNavy
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 10:20 a.m.
@Frustrated in A2: Take my word for it: They give M4's out to "soldiers" who aren't qualified to use them. The difference is that in the military, it isn't as big a deal as the errant shots are likely land in the hearts and minds of non-voters. @Buzz: You're obviously much better at maths than the rest of us. You must enjoy your heavily armed police presence as well.
Frustrated in A2
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 3:49 a.m.
You say this like the officers aren't trained with the weapons, I'm sure they don't just give them out to anybody without proper training
Buzz
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
How dangerous is it? Have you ever been shot at at work?
Buzz
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
So 1% of over 100,00 population is 1,000. That a lot of people that it won't be enough for.
GoNavy
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
@ Jimmy McNulty, I don't disagree that the M4 rifle, in the hands of a properly trained rifleman, is an excellent weapon. What concerns me is the issuance of this rifle into the local police force of a small city. The M4, despite its size, is a full-powered assault rifle. It fires jacketed rounds at high velocity. That's not a problem when you're firing at a certain target. It's a problem when it's in the middle of a civilian population, and the rifleman is not adequately drilled in its use. This except from an article titled "Despite safety questions, Chicago cops to receive combat rifles," is from Th Chi Town Daily News, and was published in 2008: "Superintendent Jody Weis announced his plan to arm Chicago's patrol officers with M4 assault rifles similar to those carried by soldiers in Iraq. Mayor Richard M. Daley said Chicago's cops, outgunned by an increasing number of criminals toting assault weapons, needed more firepower. But a review of federal firearms statistics suggests the number of assault weapons seized from Illinois criminals is not on the rise. Nor is the number of homicides committed with rifles in the nation. And rifles have been responsible on average for 15 percent of officer deaths each of the last six years. Meanwhile, firearms experts say bullets from the M4 can travel nearly twice as far as those from a handgun, potentially posing risks for bystanders. And some policing specialists say equipping beat cops with military style weapons sends a message to police and citizens that combat, not cooperation, is the goal." -- I stress this: Ann Arbor is not a combat zone. I do not expect to see heavily armed officers patrolling what is very much a peaceful area. A show of deadly force via handguns is convincing enough for 99% of the population. The use of assault rifles, though only marginally more effective, convey the wrong message to society and appear to cause at least as many problems as they solve.
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 9 p.m.
@GoNavy, why not have it at the ready? Lots of departments keep M4s or shotguns at the ready in the front seat. Would you rather have it buried in the trunk under the first aid kit so you would not have to look at it and become.....concerned? As far as if they are justified, I believe that any officer who puts their life on the line deserves to have the best weapons available to defend themselves and the public.
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
@SMC: Don't be dim-witted. I'm not concerned about how people "feel" when they see a firearm. @ Boo Radley: There's always a justification for more guns, more powerful guys, longer ranged guns, higher capacity guns, etc. Likewise, there's always an argument for more powerful engines, fatter (stickier) tires, and lighter weight in an automobile. The question here is: What *exactly* is the *current* need for these firearms? An M4 assault rifle did not stop (nor would have stopped) the events at Columbine or Virginia Tech (your two most cogent arguments). If you're arguing that we need a heavily-armed police force in order to deter a shootout with heavily-armed and armored assailants, then we're going to start to talk about "all of the other things" we need in a "war-zone" like situation. @ Major: Best reply yet...spot on.
Major
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
Why not? I have one, most of my friends have one...catching on yet??
Boo Radley
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
Really? What's your second question? I think weapons such as you describe have been recommended as necessary nationwide at many police departments in the wake of incidents such as Columbine, Virginia Tech, LA Hollywood Bank Robbery, Miami FBI Shoot-out ... There are many other incidents that point out the inadequacy of a responding patrol office only equipped with a handgun (a short range personal defense weapon), and even relatively short range shotguns. In times of officers on foot openly carrying automatic assault weapons at locations in New York City, and at many historic and government sites in Washington DC, being visible locked in a mount inside a car does not seem to be too offensive, except perhaps in Ann Arbor.
SMC
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
Oh god, someone might see an assault rifle in a police car and get scared! The police should go back to using sticks and whistles!
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Congratulations to Police Chief Seto, makes us proud.
Rich Kinsey
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
John Seto is without a doubt the best choice for Police Chief in Ann Arbor. He is an outstanding police officer and has proven himself an unflappable leader at the AAPD. Congratulations John this is so well deserved!
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
When John Seto was approved as the interim chief earlier this year by the Ann Arbor City Council , Blair Shelton, an African-American community leader spoke at the public commentary period. He sued the City of Ann Arbor in the mid-1990s for racially profiling blacks during the notorious serial rapist investigation during that period. Mr. Shelton had been pulled over for a traffic violation in the early 1990s , per his commentary to City Council, and was treated in a demeaning and sarcastic manner by Seto who was at that time a patrol officer; the details of this treatment were narrated by Mr. Shelton at this council meeting. Seto was seated in the City Council chambers during this commentary and I do not recall him disputing the version of Mr.Shelton after this public commentary was given. Those Ann Arbor City Council proceedings are video-recorded and downloadable on the City Ann Arbor website. Please download those proceedings if you have not done so already.
Jim Osborn
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
I find that the police officers in Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, and Ypsi are all very polite. Not at all like many law enforcement officers in southern California. I do think that police officers in general are harsher on younger drivers, especially men in their 20s. If they had a physical description of this rapist, and if he were a male, and African American, then looking at anyone else would be a waste of time. Should all African Americans be excluded, too? Now, if the suspect was described as in his 20s, and they bothered someone in their 40s, that is different. I wish we had more facts. I wish the new chief well, I'm glad that he is a local man.
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Got pulled over for a traffic violation and felt he was treated in a demeaning and sarcastic manner? We have a phrase for that where I come from: "Driving while white."
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
"And anyone can sue anyone for anything. That also doesn't make it true." In the case of Blair Shelton, he won his law suit. The way he, and numerous other black men, were treated was reprehensible. In fairness John Seto was NOT a defendant in the suite.
nowayjose
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
Just because someone said something doesn't make it true. And anyone can sue anyone for anything. That also doesn't make it true.
HONDO
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
Do the right thing..... you have proved you can and do.
jcj
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.
One of the few common sense decisions this administration has made. It makes all the sense in the world to hire a well qualified person with ties to the community. Maybe this off the wall idea will catch on and we won't have to endure the world wide search to fill vacancies in the city and school system. Almost without exception those hired from elsewhere leave as soon as they can draw a pension check.
hammer
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
Congratulations John! You are deserving of your permanent promotion. I had the pleasure of working with you for 19 years. I was always impressed by your integrity, honesty and hard work. Good luck taking the Ann Arbor Police Department into the future!
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
Congrats CHIEF Seto!
ummsw
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
Congratulations Chief Seto...A great choice!!
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
Anyone is better than the rah rah cheerleader, fire and brimstone speechifying chief who just left.
Madeleine Borthwick
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8 p.m.
wow...talk about your backhanded compliments.....as long as you're not bitter...
bunnyabbot
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
so glad they are doing this, finding someone from out of town cost so much money and ended up with men that had no commitments to the community for the long haul. Sure Seto will eventually retire, but less of a chance he would do it just to take another job somewhere else.
Dave Koziol
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Congratulations Chief John Seto! Based on what I've seen so far, I think you'll do a great job, and I look forward to having you in charge for a long time.
Hunterjim
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
Congratulations Chief Seto. I have had the pleasure to watch John rise through the ranks and have the highest respect for him and his work. He will be a great leader of a fine professional police department. Ann Arbor is blessed to have him and his staff. Congratulations to the City administrator for seeing the wisdom in choosing from with-in the organization, rather than bringing someone from the outside again.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
Who would have thought we could hire someone without paying $500,000 to a headhunter for an intergalactic search. Can we be sure this is the right guy if nobody from city council flew to San Diego/Seattle/Sarasota/Atlanta ?
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 13, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Two to beam aboard, Scottie.
Will Warner
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
Craig, I've heard there may be multiple universes, so why limit to just intergalactic?
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
@mixmaster, lighten up. I understood and appreciated Craig's sarcasm completely.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
are you suggesting I should have used "national" search instead of "intergalactic" search?
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
Well, no kidding. But the constant barrage of exaggeration, hyperbole, half truths and generally childish comments don't help the validity of yours or anyone else's opinions
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
Mixmaster, It was a bit of sarcastic hyperbole. The city and school board have a history of spending tax money to do large scale searches for the next "chief", be it police, fire, school board, city manager. I have often wondered if the best candidate wasn't already on board but got overlooked because the powers somehow thought hiring from within had some inherent flaw.
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
Where do you get the $500,000 amount for a headhunter? Or are you just making this up?
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
and congratulations chief Seto.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
hopefully the chiefs day one priority is to find that geriatric nudist and bring him to justice.