James spent 28 years with the Detroit Police Department in a variety of assignments. As an inspector, he was the Commanding Officer of the Violent Crimes Task Force. That unit was directed to identify and criminally prosecute the most significant and notorious violent offenders in Federal or state courts. As a lieutenant he was Commanding Officer of the Narcotic Special Operations section, and also was co-commanding officer of the Police-Fire Arson Unit.

For the past seven years he’s been Fire Security Supervisor for the DaimlerChrysler Corporation. He manages, directs, coordinates and trains fire security officers and fire security specialists, and he conducts investigations involving suspected criminal or civil complaints.

James has undertaken numerous opportunities for specialized training, including courses with the U.S. Department of Justice, DEA, Department of the Army, and the FBI.