MENU
SEARCHChief James Craig, who takes over the department in July, is the first chief selected under Issue 5, a charter amendment approved by voters in 2001 that permits the city to consider internal and external candidates for chief.
Photo: Cincinnati PD.
The Cincinnati Police Department crossed several historic thresholds with its selection of new Chief James Craig.
When he begins his assignment in late July, Chief Craig will become the first outside candidate to take the top-cop job and the first African American chief.
City Manager Milton Dohoney selected Chief Craig, who leaves his role as chief of the Portland (Maine) Police Department. Dohoney conducted a national search, and chose Craig from more than 40 candidates. Chief Craig is a former LAPD captain and Detroit patrolman.
He takes over a department with 1,057 sworn personnel.
"When I looked at his wide-ranging and successful experience as a front line commander, his executive management skills, and proven commitment to partnership and community building, I was confident choosing him as chief," according to Dohoney. "He believes in and will advance the principles of community oriented policing. He has a track record of using the latest technologies and police practices that will help meet Cincinnati's complex challenges."
Craig is the first chief selected under Issue 5, a charter amendment approved by voters in 2001 that permits the city to consider internal and external candidates for chief.
As the Portland PD's chief, Craig oversaw 215 sworn personnel. Craig developed the department's first strategic plan and implemented CompStat. Three months after its implementation, the department saw a 10 percent reduction in violent crime and a 1 percent reduction in property crime.
Craig began his career as a Detroit Police officer in 1977. He moved to Los Angeles in 1981, after a layoff, and was hired by the LAPD. After advancing to Captain III, he retired in 2009.
As an LAPD commander, he has overseen 390 sworn and civilian personnel and a $42 million budget. While with the LAPD, Craig also served as the commander for the juvenile division and the Wilshire patrol and operations support divisions, where he was directly over patrol operations, special enforcement units, the administrative support unit, the detective section, and vice unit.
By Paul Clinton
Related:
With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.
Read More →
Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.
Read More →
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →