Antoinette James has been serving as an Advocate for Victims of Crime and Homicide Survivors in Southeast Michigan for almost four years. While many fight for their voices to be heard, she’s committed to fighting for those who seemingly have no voice at all.
What started out as a challenge for the young mother of three at the time soon turned into her passion, her purpose. It was during her studies at Wayne County Community College that she and her classmates were challenged by her professor, the late Judge Willie G. Lipscomb, Jr.
After sharing the heartbreaking story of his neighbor, a college-bound teenager who was shot and killed the professor challenged students to organize a town hall with city council members and the community to stop gun violence. As a result, the 36th District Court Handgun Intervention Program was formed. That push alone was enough to catapult Antoinette into full-time advocacy, a Detroit Police Officer; making her a champion for many whom society oftentimes overlooks.
With more than 20 years providing Human, Social Work and Public Service; James has been allowed a behind the scene to being on the scene of Life itself. From the post room at the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office as a Autopsy Technician to working the streets of one of America’s most dangerous cities-Detroit.
In 2001 she joined the Detroit Police Department. During her short-lived career as officer she worked in various capacities. Mrs. James patrolled the 11th and 3rd Precinct. She served five years undercover in the Vice Enforcement Unit. Ms. James received certification in Crime Scene Investigation and was hand selected for Executive Protection Unit to serve on the detail for Detroit’s former Mayor Kilpatrick and family. She demonstrated herself to be calm and a fair officer, trusted by the community. In addition, James has provided case management at Cody and Osborn High Schools Safety Stations, Detroit Ceasefire, and Michigan Lupus Foundation. She removed barriers, so students could be safe and that those reentering the community or suffering from depilating illness could live successfully.
James obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree from Wayne County Community College and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Ferris State University. In addition to making the Dean’s List during her tenure at Ferris State University, she also received the Ferris State University College of Education & Human Service Criminal Justice Annual Scholarship in 2016 as well as honorable recognition at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Further, she is a member of N.O.B.L.E -National Organization For Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Antoinette James has made it her mission to ensure that people who are societally vulnerable have a voice and justice is served—whether it’s in regard to their own individual rights or issues that greatly concern or impact them. Antoinette isn’t just an agent of change in her community and city—she’s leaving an impact on the world that cannot be easily erased.
Through both her professional and personal experience, she’s been afforded the opportunity to experience life on both sides of the fence. Complete with her educational background, life challenges and experience on the force—she’s transformed into a force to be reckoned with.
DISCLAIMER: This website promotes and discusses a non-fiction work based on the true life events of the author. All of the events chronicled on this website, and within the memoir it discusses, are true to the best of the author’s memory. Some names and identifying features have been Changed to protect the identity of certain parties. The author in no way represents any governmental department and/or agency, company, corporation, or brand mentioned herein. The views expressed on this website and within Behind the Badge Her Story book are solely those of the author.This website and book deals with undercover police activities in sex crimes unit, Crime Scene Investigations and executive protection of the political family members. While the author has taken great lengths to ensure the subject matter is dealt with in a compassionate and respectful manner, it may be troubling for some readers. Discretion is advised.