Detroit Police Department (DPD) Chief James E. Craig has never had a bad day on the job.
Sure, it’s been “frustrating,” he said but his 44-year career has always been on the up and up.
“I’m blessed and fortunate to say I never had a bad day,” he said during a press conference announcing his retirement on Monday, May 10. “I will miss it.”
Craig announced his retirement over the weekend (the Michigan Chronicle reported here) and officially broke the news during a press conference today.
Craig, 64, a Cass Technical High School 1974 graduate, entered the DPD at 19 years old and his expansive career of over four decades includes being a public servant and leader in the police field in California and Maine.
After serving as chief of police for eight years he told members of the media today at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters, Skylar Herbert Room that he’s putting down his badge for greener pastures when he retires in June.
“(It is) an exciting day certainly – bittersweet,” Craig said holding his composure. “June marks 44 years as a public servant in this profession. It’s been a phenomenal journey … the best part of my career has always been in the city of Detroit.”
Craig said that he started in Detroit in 1977 when he was 19 years old. When he was laid off it was one of the “best things” that could have happened to him because he spread his wings in other states and came back “full circle” coming home in 2013.
He also squashed rumors and said that he is leaving on his own accord.
“I heard a lot over the last 72 hours — I am voluntarily leaving,” he said adding that he is in a “good place.”
Craig professed his love for the city and state, and thanked Mayor Mike Duggan, among other community leaders, and the police officers for their partnership and diligence.
“(It) truly makes a difference,” he said. “I know we’re such a much better department today and it’s been a lot of work.”
Craig reflected on his career highs and lows and added that COVID-19 rocked the police department. At one time 650 police officers were quarantined.
“I am a COVID survivor,” he said, adding that the police department continued to push forward and will do so even with this new administration change. “The department will be in great hands.”
Duggan thanked Craig for his service and sharp leadership that helped stabilize a city on the brink of crisis as instability was the norm before Craig came on board.
“(We had) five police chiefs in less than five years,” Duggan said, adding that Craig has lifted morale, brought professionalism to the department, and more. “We had a chance to rebuild officer salaries and the culture of neighborhood policing.”
Duggan added that the next step in finding a new police chief is for the Detroit Board of Police of Commissioners to hire a search firm and give him the completed list of eligible police chief names with City Council’s input. Duggan will be speaking with the commissioners individually to get their thoughts during the process.
In the meantime, Duggan will appoint the interim police chief, who likely could be someone within the department.
“I’m expecting an interim chief to come in and be very aggressive to deal with gun violence right out of the gate … and then we’ll go from there … we’re going to see if we can get another outstanding chief,” Duggan said.
Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Chair Willie E. Bell issued a statement on Monday regarding Craig’s departure.
“Since his appointment by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr in 2013, Chief Craig has shown effective leadership and management of the Detroit Police Department. He helped end two long federal consent decrees and bring the Department into the modern era of community policing,” Bell said. “He has been visionary and innovative as an expert in public safety and law enforcement. The Department, the City, and our residents are better today because of Chief Craig and his commitment to excellence, his inspiration of others, and his skill in initiating and implementing high standards and groundbreaking programs.”
During a question-and-answer session, Craig shared his future hopes with a reporter. Craig shared that he is a Republican and as a police chief who serves everyone, he might consider running in the gubernatorial race against Whitmer. He did not officially state it but said he’s “not ruling it out.”
“I am deeply passionate for public service … in a leadership role,” he said.
Duggan said that Mayor Gretchen Whitmer has been the “best partner” in the city of Detroit, and he plans to continue to vote for her when the time comes.
Someone asked Craig how he plans to ensure that Duggan influences the next chief to respect young Black men when officers encounter them.
“First of all, I am a Black man who faced discrimination, particularly early in my administration,” Craig said. “I have set the tone — doesn’t mean we aren’t perfect. I am confident the person (whether interim or permanent) they (will) understand … lead by example. Setting the appropriate tone.”
Watch the press conference on the Detroit Government Facebook page here.
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