Detroit Police Chief Relieved of Duty

DETROIT --

Local 4 has learned Detroit Police Chief James Barren was relieved of duty Friday afternoon.

Sources told Local 4 that after Barren met with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, he was let go.

The Detroit Police Department or the Mayor's office will not comment on the situation.

Barren, 57, was appointed by interim Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. in October 2008.

Cockrel Announces Barren As City's Police Chief

In 31 years as a police officer, Barren has won awards ranging from the Medal of Valor to several life-saving awards. He has a number of graduate degrees and has most recently worked for General Motors and the Veterans Administration.

Barren was appointed deputy chief in 2003. He retired from the police department in 2004.

Barren replaced Ella Bully-Cummings, who had resigned the month before when he came back to the force.

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