Detroit Police Chief James Craig to retire, won t say whether he s running for governor Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press
Detroit Police Chief James Craig confirmed his retirement in a news conference Monday while simultaneously sidestepping rumors that he will challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in next year s gubernatorial race.
Craig, who proclaimed his longtime alignment with the Republican Party, will leave his post after eight years June 1, Craig said during Monday s news conference with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, standing beside him. Craig described the moment as bittersweet and stressed he is leaving the department of his own volition. I m leaving in a good place, I love this city and I love this state, Craig said.
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Detroit Police Chief James Craig refused to rule out a bid to challenge Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a press conference announcing his retirement on Monday.
Craig revealed that he is voluntarily departing the force as he detailed a multitude of accomplishments in the law enforcement body, which was previously characterized by instability and poor working conditions. The announcement follows a flurry of media reports suggesting the top officer would seek to unseat Whitmer, who has received a wave of criticism over her stringent protocols since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
When asked about the rumors, Craig said he has not made that decision but is not ruling it out.” The Detroit native, who began his law enforcement career in 1977, added that he s been a Republican for the last 10 to 11 years, though his political views did not affect his policies in a Democratic-majority area.
WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James Craig announces retirement
On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James Craig is expected to announce his retirement from the force, sources tell 7 Action News.
Posted at 1:55 PM, May 10, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-10 14:40:25-04
(WXYZ) â On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced his retirement from the force.
The news broke Friday, with reports surfacing that Craig was also considering a run for governor.
A native Detroiter, Craig, 64, began his career as an officer with the Detroit Police Department, before leaving for the LAPD where he spent 28 years. Before returning to Detroit, Craig spent two years as police chief in Cincinnati.
Chief James Craig 1-on-1 discusses leadership, being a Republican and his future
By Roop Raj and David Komer online producer
Published
Retiring Detroit Police Chief James Craig 1-on-1 with Roop Raj
Detroit Police Chief James Craig speaks about his future - but avoids using the word governor.
FOX 2:: I know you won t use the word governor today because you re not prepared to make any type of an announcement. But what kind of skills do you bring to the table to lead in office like that given your experience as police chief?
James Craig: You know, first of all, I think the ability to courageously do your job, stand up for what s right, I think I ve demonstrated that to Detroiters throughout my tenure - but locally, and in some instances nationally, standing up for what s not always popular, Roop, we talked about it, our profession is under assault in certain segments.The minority voices are heard and some people of influence, they attacked the police, but they certai