chief Craigs head shot
Detroit Regional Chamber > James Craig

James Craig

Chief of Police, Detroit Police Department

James Craig was appointed as the 42nd Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department (DPD) in July 2013, bringing his law enforcement career full-circle, as his first post was in the DPD from  1977-81. Leading a department of 2,800 sworn and civilian personnel, Craig has prioritized the abatement and reduction of violent crime, as well as improving the morale of the police force.

Prior to taking the lead role with the DPD, Craig served as the Chief of Police for the Cincinnati Police Department, making him the first African-American and person from outside out Cincinnati to hold the Chief of Police position in Cincinnati. He was previously the Chief of Police in the Portland (Maine) Police Department, after working in the Los Angeles Police Department for 28 years.

Craig has a bachelor’s degree in business management from West Coast University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix