Veteran Law Enforcement Leader & Public Safety Innovator; Former Chief of Police in Detroit, Cincinnati & Portland; Champion of Change Award Honoree

Detroit, MI, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

James Craig Biography

James E. Craig is an American law enforcement officer whose career spans more than four decades and includes leadership roles in Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, and Cincinnati. Craig began his career as an officer with the Detroit Police Department before joining the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served for 28 years and advanced to the rank of captain. In Los Angeles, he oversaw several high-crime areas and implemented strategies focused on crime reduction and community engagement.

Craig later held executive leadership positions as chief of police in Portland, Maine, and Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming the first Black person to serve as chief in both cities. In Portland, he utilized the CompStat process to enhance command accountability and problem-solving, resulting in a reduction in violent crime. He also established the Chief's Community Advisory Board to strengthen community policing and improve relations between the department and residents. During his tenure in Cincinnati, the city experienced its lowest crime rate in years.

Craig was appointed as the 42nd chief of police for the Detroit Police Department, returning to the department where his career began. At the time of his appointment, Detroit faced significant challenges, including extended 911 response times and low homicide clearance rates. Craig implemented organizational reforms, established a new management team, reopened police stations, and created a promotional process for supervisory ranks. He also launched the Real-Time Crime Center, initiated "Green Light Detroit," and formed an Integrity Unit within the Professional Standards Section. Under his leadership, Detroit saw a significant decrease in homicides and violent crime, as well as improved public relations and transparency during critical incidents. The city experienced more than 100 days of protests following the death of George Floyd without incidents of looting or widespread unrest.

Craig holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from West Coast University and a Master of Management degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Craig has received the Champion of Change Award from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security for his contributions to public safety and security. He has also served as a keynote speaker on leadership in law enforcement and public safety.

BOOK James Craig

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/30/2026.

James Craig Speaking Topics

    • Leadership
    • Story Telling
    • Placing issues
    • Mass Shootings
    • Police Officer Misconduct
    • Politics
    • Changing Police Culture
    • Law-abiding citizens

James Craig Videos

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig to run as write-in candidate

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig to run as write-in candidate

Former Detroit police chief, James Craig, to make first political

Former Detroit police chief, James Craig, to make first political

Black History Month: Detroit Police Chief James Craig has message

Black History Month: Detroit Police Chief James Craig has message

  • How do I book James Craig to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for James Craig

    Speaking fees for James Craig, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book James Craig are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Craig, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does James Craig speak about?

    James Craig is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Civil Rights, Disruptive Thinking, Executive Leadership, Government, Law, Leadership, Political, Social Activism, Social Justice, Storytelling, Thought Leadership
  • Where does James Craig travel from?

    James Craig generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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James Craig is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as . The estimated speaking fee range to book James Craig for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. James Craig generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tracie L. Keesee, PhD, John Ashcroft, Felice Upton, Tim Pearce and Shawn Ryan. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Craig for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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