Title: Commitment to Safety: Building a Secure Campus Community

Synopsis: The University of Michigan Police Department underscored its unwavering commitment to campus safety and community service. This commitment encompasses a range of comprehensive security initiatives aimed at fostering a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. By implementing proactive measures, the department strives to ensure that all members of the university community feel secure and valued in their campus experience.

Biography: University of Michigan Police Chief Crystal James was born in Sanford, Florida, and relocated to Detroit during her middle school years. Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, dedication to family, and a commitment to public service. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University. Also, she is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command and the University of Michigan Business and Finance Leadership Academy.

Chief James began her law enforcement career with the Detroit Police Department in 1989. After being laid off in 1991 due to budget cuts, she joined the University of Michigan Police Department on the Ann Arbor campus in 1992, becoming the second Black female officer in the department’s history.

Throughout her career, Chief James has been a trailblazer at the University of Michigan, making history as the first Black female police sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief before her current appointment as Chief of Police. She initially served as Deputy Chief on the University of Michigan’s Dearborn Campus from 2014-2016 before returning to the Ann Arbor campus.

In her current role, Chief James oversees police operations, university housing, and museum security, while also managing crime prevention initiatives on campus. Her key priorities include fostering and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the university community.