James Craig at a Glance
- Net Worth: $2.5 Million
- Profession: Law Enforcement Executive, Political Commentator
- Year of Birth: 1956
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Nationality: American
Table of Contents
What is James Craig’s Net Worth?
James Craig has a net worth of $2.5 million. The former law enforcement executive built his fortune through a four-decade career in public service, commanding high six-figure salaries across three major American cities and securing lucrative pension packages. Following his retirement from policing, Craig transitioned into the private sector as a political commentator and consultant, further diversifying his income streams.
His financial standing is primarily anchored by his extensive tenure with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and his subsequent leadership roles as Police Chief in Portland, Cincinnati, and Detroit. Unlike many public servants who rely solely on a single state pension, Craig’s mobility allowed him to accrue earning potential across different municipalities.
Since leaving the Detroit Police Department in 2021, Craig has leveraged his national profile to enter the media and political landscape. His appearances as a law enforcement analyst on national news networks, combined with public speaking engagements and political fundraising efforts, have maintained his financial momentum.
Executive Salaries
Throughout the latter decade of his policing career, Craig commanded top-tier executive compensation. During his eight-year tenure as the Chief of the Detroit Police Department, his base annual salary was $225,000. This contract also included standard executive benefits, bringing the total compensation package higher. Before returning to Detroit, he served as the Police Chief in Cincinnati, where his salary exceeded $150,000, and in Portland, where the compensation for the top cop role falls within the $200,000 range.
Pension Wealth
A significant portion of Craig’s net worth is derived from his “vested” interests in multiple pension systems. His 28-year career with the LAPD secured a substantial California public safety pension, which is historically among the most generous in the United States. Public records suggest that long-serving LAPD officers of his rank retire with pensions that can exceed $100,000 annually for life. This steady, guaranteed income provides a financial floor that allowed him to take on high-pressure leadership roles in other cities without financial risk.
Career
James Craig’s professional trajectory is defined by a steady climb from patrol officer to one of the most recognizable law enforcement leaders in the country. His career spans over 44 years, characterized by a specific focus on community policing and departmental reform.
Craig began his career in law enforcement in his hometown of Detroit in 1977 but faced layoffs shortly after joining. He moved to Los Angeles in 1981, joining the LAPD where he spent the next 28 years. This period was the foundation of his professional life. He rose through the ranks during a turbulent era for the LAPD, eventually achieving the rank of Captain. His nearly three decades in Los Angeles allowed him to build significant tenure, qualifying him for maximum retirement benefits within the California system before he sought leadership roles elsewhere.
In 2009, Craig retired from the LAPD to become the Police Chief of Portland, Maine. While Portland is a smaller jurisdiction, the role marked his transition from a rank-and-file commander to an executive chief. He served there for two years before being recruited to lead the Cincinnati Police Department in 2011. In Cincinnati, Craig gained national attention for his “community-first” strategies and his ability to navigate complex racial dynamics in policing. His tenure in Cincinnati increased his market value significantly, positioning him as a top candidate for major metropolitan departments.
In 2013, Detroit was undergoing a massive financial bankruptcy and required a strong leader to stabilize its police force. Craig was hired as the Chief of Police, returning to the city where he was born. His administration in Detroit is widely credited with improving morale, updating technology, and reducing certain violent crime metrics during his tenure. He became the face of the department, frequently appearing in national media to discuss policing trends. He held this position until his retirement in June 2021, making him one of the longest-serving modern chiefs in the city’s history.
Following his retirement, Craig pivoted to politics. He launched a campaign for Governor of Michigan as a Republican, positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate. Although the campaign faced administrative hurdles regarding ballot signatures, the move elevated his profile from a local official to a statewide political figure. He subsequently explored a run for the U.S. Senate. Parallel to his political ambitions, Craig became a regular contributor on networks like Fox News, offering analysis on crime and public safety, which serves as his current primary professional focus.
Real Estate
James Craig maintains his primary residence in Detroit, Michigan. Upon returning to the city in 2013 to take the role of Chief, he purchased a home in the Palmer Woods neighborhood, an area known for its historic architecture and affluent residents.
However, security concerns led to a relocation. Following protests that targeted his private residence during the civil unrest of 2020, Craig sold his Palmer Woods home. He currently resides in a secure, upscale apartment residence within the Detroit riverfront area. This move reflects a practical shift common among high-profile public officials who require greater security controls than a standalone single-family home can provide.
Personal Life
James Craig was born into a family with a strong dedication to service. His father was a reserve police officer, which influenced Craig’s early interest in law enforcement. He graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, a renowned institution that has produced numerous notable alumni.
Before entering the police force, Craig served in the U.S. Army, a background that influenced his disciplined approach to command. He is married and has managed to keep the details of his immediate family largely out of the public eye, despite his own high visibility. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and has completed graduate work in Public Administration at Wayne State University.
