The University of Michigan appointed Crystal James as the first Black woman police chief in the 35-year history of the University of Michigan Police Department. James, who previously served as deputy chief at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus, served as the interim chief since last year, following the transition of Robert Neumann to senior director and chief of operations for the Division of Public Safety and Security.
In a statement to The University Record, James said she cherishes the opportunity to command UMPD.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility,” James said. “I have a deep sense of pride. It is a privilege to lead our police and security teams. They are professional, well-trained, and understand the importance of service.”
Born in Sanford, Fla., James relocated to Detroit in middle school. After graduating from Central Michigan University, she embarked on a career path that initially led her to work as a bank teller. However, driven by a desire for challenge and inspired by her mother’s legacy of service as a nurse, James pursued a career in law enforcement.
James graduated from the Detroit Metropolitan Police Academy in 1989 and then joined the Detroit Police Department. James was laid off following budget cuts after just two years on the force, and it was a friend from the academy who suggested James apply to join the U-M police department. In 1992, she became the second female Black officer to join the department.
James said in an interview with The Record that while ensuring the safety of the campus community remains paramount, she is equally committed to fostering community engagement and promoting public service initiatives.
“I want to make it a priority to introduce myself to students as they walk across the Diag,” James said. “I want to chat with morning bus commuters making their way to their labs or offices. And I want to drop into Michigan Medicine’s emergency room to thank the nurses and staff for their hard work.”
LSA sophomore Christopher Stocking, who grew up in Ann Arbor and now is a U-M student, said he believes the new chief is a step in the right direction for equitable policing on campus.
“It is about time for a female police chief of Color,” Stocking said. “In the U.S., policing has changed from serving the community to serving antidemocratic agendas of for-profit prisons that benefit from the incarceration of minorities and those of low socioeconomic status. … Plus, studies show that Black and female officers are less likely to use unnecessary force against civilians, so this is a huge slam dunk.”
Former University President Mary Sue Coleman, who worked closely with James, shared her enthusiasm for James’ appointment in an email to The Michigan Daily, emphasizing her professionalism and dedication throughout her career.
“(James) and one of her colleagues drove me and my husband to the football games and escorted us to the president’s suite,” Coleman said. “Both Ken and I were immediately impressed with her skill at the job, her command of crowds and her attention to detail. In fact, I used to tell her that I just knew she would advance in the department. … She is the consummate professional who has earned this position and that makes me very proud.”
Daily Staff Reporter Emma Spring can be reached at sprinemm@umich.edu.