Beyond the Badge: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Law Enforcement

This is the compelling story of Chief of Police, James E. Craig, whose journey in law enforcement began in Detroit in 1977, only to circle back decades later to lead his hometown police department through one of its most challenging eras. From his formative years with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he honed his skills in crime reduction and community engagement, to his transformative tenure as Chief in Portland and Cincinnati, Craig developed a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the safety of the communities he served. Returning to Detroit in 2013, he faced the daunting task of leading a department amidst municipal bankruptcy, yet his vision and decisive action resulted in tangible reductions in crime and a revitalization of officer morale. His subsequent forays into gubernatorial and senatorial politics, and now a run for Detroit Mayor underscore a deep-seated commitment to public service. Through it all, Chief Craig’s experiences, shared here for the first time, offer profound insights into the complexities of modern policing and the enduring power of principled leadership.