Interim Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Talks to FOX 2

DETROIT - So is the new boss the same as the old boss? FOX 2's Simon Shaykhet talked one-on-one to Detroit's new Interim Police Chief Ralph Godbee.

"As much as I've learned from Chief Evans, I have to put my own stamp on it," said Godbee.

He is the new top cop at the Detroit Police Department, assistant chief turned Interim Chief Ralph Godbee.

"1987, I joined the Detroit Police Department," Godbee said.

23 years with DPD, he knows the challenges facing the department. Speaking candidly with us, Godbee recalls how he got started.

"Being a starving college student, (it) sounded like a good idea. $25,000 a year at 18 sounded like I was going to be rich," said Godbee.

Fast forward to now, getting the call, learning one time mentor Chief Warren Evans resigned and having to step in.

"When Dave Bing says, hey, I've been watching you and I think you're ready for the job, that was the boost of confidence I needed to say I can do this," Godbee said.

But how will Godbee clean up crime while maintaining the respect of the community? His answer, "Statistics are tremendously important, but not at all costs. The citizens have to be satisfied with the service we give them also."

"Life long friends that you've dealt with in growing up in the police department, and you have to hold them accountable for results," he added.

Mayor Bing says he will conduct a national search before he names a permanent replacement as chief. Interim Chief Godbee tells us he will work tirelessly to prove he is the best man for that job.