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James Craig (police chief)

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For other people named James Craig, see James Craig (disambiguation).

James Craig
Craig in 2021
Chief of the Detroit Police Department
In office
July 1, 2013 – June 1, 2021
MayorDave Bing
Mike Duggan
Preceded byChester Logan
Succeeded byJames White
Chief of the Cincinnati Police Department
In office
August 2011 – June 2013
MayorMark Mallory
Succeeded byJeffrey Blackwell
Chief of the Portland Police Department
In office
May 2009 – August 2011
MayorJill Duson
Nick Mavodones
Preceded byTimothy Burton
Succeeded byMichael Sauschuck
Personal details
Born1956 (age 67–68)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyRepublican (2011–present)
Other political
affiliations		Democratic (before 2011)
EducationWest Coast University (BS)
University of Phoenix (MPA)

James E. Craig (born 1956) is an American law enforcement official who served as the chief of the Detroit Police Department from 2013 to 2021. He previously served as chief of the Cincinnati Police Department and Portland Police Department.

A member of the Republican Party, Craig ran in the party's primary for governor of Michigan in 2022, but was disqualified from the ballot due to false signatures; he subsequently ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for the nomination.[1][2] On October 3, 2023, he announced that he was running for the open U.S. senate seat in Michigan held by retiring Democratic senator Debbie Stabenow.[3] However, on February 13, 2024, he suspended his U.S. Senate campaign.[4]

Early life

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Craig was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.[5] His father was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as a reserve police officer at the time of the 1967 Detroit riot, when James Craig was in fifth grade.[6] He graduated from Cass Technical High School and joined the Detroit Police Department in 1977.[7]

Policing career

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Craig first worked at the Detroit Police Department from 1977 until he was laid off in 1981. He went to Los Angeles to work for the LAPD for nearly three decades.[7] From 2009 to 2011, he was police chief for the Portland Police Department in Portland, Maine. From 2011 to 2013, he was chief of police for the Cincinnati Police Department in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his tenure with the Cincinnati police, the crime rate was its lowest since 2000.[8]

Chief of the Detroit Police Department

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Craig (right) with Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Jase Bolger in 2014

After he had initially worked with the Detroit Police Department earlier in his career, Craig had said he wouldn't go back to work for them unless he was offered the role of police chief.[9] He was originally appointed police chief by Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr.[10] He replaced Chester Logan, who had held the position on an interim basis since the previous October when his predecessor, Ralph Godbee, was fired for having sexual relations with a subordinate.[11] Craig officially took office on July 1, 2013.[8]

In his first year as chief, homicide cases made a ten percent drop, from 332 to 300, between the year 2013 and 2014.[5]

Craig speaking to news reporters in 2018

In early 2014, Craig made national headlines for saying more armed citizens would decrease the crime rate.[12][13] Craig claimed in 2017 that crime was steadily decreasing since his taking office in 2013, with data from a new software system employed by Detroit showing a 5 percent decrease in violent crime in 2016. The Federal Bureau of Investigation disputed his claim, and suggested violent crime had actually increased 15.7 percent between 2015 and 2016. Craig and others rejected their assessment.[14] Detroit reported a 19 percent increase in homicide cases in 2020, with non-deadly shootings up 53 percent, though this was part of a trend of increasing crime nationwide, with homicide cases also rising above 50 percent in cities such as Boston and Chicago.[15][16] In Craig's last five months as police chief (January 1-May 31, 2021), homicides in Detroit were up 27% and non-fatal shootings increased 44%.[17] Craig blamed the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd riots for the increase in crime.[15]

Craig (right) and Mayor Mike Duggan holding a press conference as part of the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, Craig criticized the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,[17][18] alleging that the two federal agencies had used Kenyel Brown as an informant.[18] Craig pulled Detroit police officers out of a longstanding DEA-Detroit PDF task force.[17][18] Craig also clashed with local judges and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, viewing bonds set for defendants as too low, and plea agreements and sentences too lenient.[17][19] County Prosecutor Kym Worthy responded by suggesting that the police department's investigations were often inadequate,[19] and upon Craig's departure as chief suggested that Craig was a "glory seeker."[17]

At times, Craig made headlines by describing people involved in mass shootings in the city as "urban terrorists".[20] In December 2015, Craig said that terrorists are unlikely to attack Detroit because so many residents have concealed carry permits.[21]

In January 2016, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan designated Craig as the city's deputy mayor.[22] In 2022, Duggan criticized Craig's record as police chief, noting that violent crime in Detroit did not decline until after the appointment, in June 2021, of James White as Craig's successor.[17]

Craig (left), accompanied by Mayor Mike Duggan, announces his retirement

As police chief, Craig initiated Project Green Light to provide police live stream of videos to businesses to better respond to crimes there. He has also initiated programs to cut gang membership and large scale sweeps aimed at finding people with outstanding warrants.[23] In August 2019, Craig defended the police use of facial recognition software after the use of the technology was criticized by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.[24] The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners ruled for the facial recognition policies to be limited to still images of suspects in criminal investigations, which Craig welcomed and heralded.[25]

2022 Michigan gubernatorial election

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In May 2021, it was reported Craig would be announcing his retirement from the Detroit police.[26] He had previously met with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, chair of the Republican Governors Association, and other Republican officials in talks about a potential run for governor of Michigan in 2022 against Democratic incumbent Gretchen Whitmer.[27] On June 1, 2021, Craig retired after 44 years of service in law enforcement.[28]

On September 14, 2021, Craig attempted to announce his bid for Governor on Belle Isle, but was unable to be heard due to the presence of protestors who surrounded him on the podium, chanting "No justice, no peace, James Craig is still police."[29] He later made his official announcement atop a former General Motors building in Detroit.[30] During his gubernatorial campaign, Craig unsuccessfully sought the endorsement of Donald Trump,[31] and declined to comment on Trump's claim that the 2020 presidential election was "stolen" from him.[32] Craig was passed over for the endorsement, which instead went to his challenger and the ultimate Republican nominee, Tudor Dixon.

In October 2021, Craig faced criticism after reporting revealed that he was never certified as a police officer in Michigan while serving as Detroit Police Chief. Craig had promised to complete the certification process when he took the position in 2013 but never did so during his eight years as chief.[33]

In May 2022, amid questions over the legitimacy of some signatures on his nominating petitions, Craig acknowledged possible fraud by signature gatherers.[34] State election officials ruled that Craig, alongside four other Republican primary candidates, had failed to submit enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot, thus rendering him ineligible to compete for the party nomination.[35] Craig filed a lawsuit in a bid to get on the primary ballot, but the suit was rejected by the Michigan Court of Claims.[36][37] Craig then launched a write-in campaign for the Republican primary nomination, but wasn't able to garner more than 2.1% of the vote with the effort.[2]

2024 U.S. Senate campaign

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On October 3, 2023, Craig announced he would be running for the United States Senate in 2024. He faced fellow Republican Mike Rogers, Nikki Snyder, and several other candidates for the Republican nomination.[3] On February 13, 2024, he announced that he was suspending his campaign.[4] He, however, expressed interest in running for Detroit mayor in 2025.[38]

Personal life

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Craig has one son and daughter and has been married 4 times to 3 different women. His son, OVO James Craig, is a hip-hop artist. In the 1990s, Craig filed twice for personal bankruptcy.[39]

References

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  1. ^ Hilu, Charles (June 3, 2022). "Why a Leading Michigan Gubernatorial Contender Can't Run for the Office". National Review. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Paul Egan, Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig to launch write-in campaign for Michigan governor, Detroit Free Press (June 10, 2022).
  3. ^ a b Bender, Michael C. (October 3, 2023). "Ex-Detroit Police Chief, a Republican, Enters Michigan Senate Race". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  4. ^ a b JOEY CAPPELLETTI (February 13, 2024). "Ex-Detroit police chief James Craig drops Republican bid for open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan". San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Burns, Gus (June 27, 2013). "New Detroit Police Chief James Craig buys home 'near downtown'". MLive. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  6. ^ Riley, Rochelle (July 22, 2017). "James Craig had no love for police in 1967 — now he's Detroit's chief". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Allen, Robert; Damron, Gina (May 21, 2015). "Detroit Police chief's contract extended 2 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Don't know much about Detroit's new Chief of Police? Read this". Michigan Radio. May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  9. ^ "Cincinnati police chief taking top post in Detroit". WLWT. May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  10. ^ Burns, Gus (May 22, 2013). "Detroit police union: Thanks Kevyn Orr for hiring James Craig as our new chief". MLive. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  11. ^ "Former Portland police chief named top cop in Detroit". centralmaine.com. Associated Press. May 14, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  12. ^ "Detroit police chief James Craig says more citizens should be armed". Fox News. January 3, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  13. ^ Woods, Ashley (January 3, 2014). "Police Chief James Craig Says What Detroit Needs Is More Guns". HuffPost. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  14. ^ Baldas, Tresa (September 26, 2017). "Detroit police chief: FBI is wrong. Detroit is not most violent city in U.S." Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  15. ^ a b Williams, Victor (January 7, 2021). "Police chief: Detroit sees increase in homicides, shootings in 2020". WDIV-TV. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  16. ^ Erickson, Erika (January 7, 2021). "Chief Craig says pandemic drove violent crimes increase in Detroit in 2020". WJBK. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Steve Neavling, Duggan blasts Craig's leadership as Detroit police chief amid wave of violence, Detroit Metro Times (March 10, 2022).
  18. ^ a b c Tresa Baldas, Detroit Police Chief James Craig blasts feds over serial killings: 'Own it', Detroit Free Press (March 3, 2022).
  19. ^ a b George Hunter, Craig, Worthy spar over violent criminal plea deals, Detroit News (August 29, 2020).
  20. ^ "Detroit Police Chief James Craig defends 'urban terrorist' comment". mlive.com. June 23, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  21. ^ "Police chief says armed Detroit would cut terror risk". Detroit News. December 1, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  22. ^ Staff. "Police Chief James Craig Designated As Detroit's Deputy Mayor". Daily Detroit. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  23. ^ Ferretti, Christine. "Detroit police partner with gas stations to fight crime". Detroit News. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  24. ^ Hunter, George. "Detroit chief defends facial recognition technology after Tlaib criticism". Detroit News. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  25. ^ Einhorn, Erin (September 19, 2019). "Detroit police can keep using facial recognition — with limits". NBC News. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  26. ^ "Sources: Detroit Police Chief James Craig set to announce retirement Monday, considering run for state office". WJBK. May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  27. ^ Isenstadt, Alex (May 7, 2021). "Detroit police chief preps Michigan governor campaign against Whitmer". Politico. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  28. ^ Dado, Natasha (May 30, 2021). "Detroit Police Chief James Craig to retire Tuesday, June 1 after 44 years of service in law enforcement". ClickonDetroit. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  29. ^ "Protesters crowd podium as James Craig launches run for governor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  30. ^ "James Craig announces candidacy for governor after protester disruptions". Fox 2 Detroit. September 14, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  31. ^ "GOP candidates for Michigan governor jockey for endorsement from former President Trump". Detroit Free Press. October 11, 2021.
  32. ^ Malachi Barret, James Craig says he'd accept Trump endorsement, doesn’t take position on stolen election claims, MLive (August 23, 2021).
  33. ^ Egan, Paul. "Lack of police certification continues to haunt former Detroit Chief James Craig". Detroit Free Press.
  34. ^ "James Craig acknowledges possible fraud in signature gathering for his petition". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  35. ^ Wang, Amy B. (May 26, 2022). "5 GOP candidates in Michigan ineligible after fraud, election office says". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  36. ^ Arpan Lobo & Clara Hendrickson, James Craig loses bid to appear on primary ballot after Michigan court denies appeal, Detroit Free Press (June 2, 2022).
  37. ^ Ed White, Ex-Detroit top cop loses bid to get on ballot for governor, Associated Press (June 2, 2022).
  38. ^ Mauger, Craig (February 13, 2024). "James Craig suspends U.S. Senate campaign, considers Detroit mayoral bid". The Detroit News. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  39. ^ "How James Craig Leveraged Upheaval To Become A Michigan GOP Frontrunner".
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Sources

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