Detroit police chief supports President Trump's order to protect law enforcement

Chief James Craig among law enforcement leaders who met with president

DETROIT – Detroit police Chief James Craig was among a group of law enforcement leaders who recently met with President Donald Trump in Washington.

Local 4 News' Shawn Ley talked with the chief about his thoughts on one of the new president's executive orders that is aimed at preventing violence against police officers.

Craig was in Washington earlier this week for a major cities police chiefs conference. Trump addressed the chiefs and Craig came away with this impression of the new president.

"Very positive, very supportive," Craig said.

Craig said Trump thanked the chiefs and sheriffs from across the country, exhibiting support Detroit's top law enforcement officer appreciates very much.

Next, the president did what Craig calls a "bold leap" by signing an executive order reading, "The most important crime-fighting measure is to stand behind the officers who are on the front lines."

That kind of support Craig found refreshing coming from the new administration.

"In leadership positions, we must provide our unwavering support to those who serve and protect every day," Craig said. "We lost three officers in Detroit in the last quarter of last year."

Some disagree with the president's order, unhappy that it doesn't include those who have suffered abuses by police. The order calls for the formation of a task force to target drugs and gang.

Craig said his officers won't be doing any illegal immigration work for the president, but if a violent offender is caught and is not a citizen, the feds will be called.

"We will contact immigration if they are here illegally," Craig said. "We will cooperate and we've always cooperated, as has most cities."

The chief said this isn't political. He said when police aren't supported, it gives violent crime a chance to rise.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.