SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — The City of Southfield appointed Elvin Barren as the new police chief. Chief Barren will begin on July 29.
He currently serves as a deputy chief with the Detroit Police Department, where he commands eight major units, a yearly budget of $137 million and over 1,100 police officers.
During his 21 years of service with DPD, he had over 12 years command experience with over six years at the rank of commander or above.
“The selection of Mr. Barren as the new police chief will serve the community well,” said City Administrator Fred Zorn in a release. “With over 20 years of solid law enforcement experience in protecting and serving the public, he will make a great addition to our team and will carry on the high standards of the city of Southfield and the Southfield Police Department.”
Chief Barren holds an Associates of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Wayne County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University.
The city of Southfield conducted a national search to fill the position after former Chief Eric Hawkins resigned last September.
