Captain James Jackson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, where he graduated from Shades Valley High School. He is a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Oakland City University.
Jackson has served with the Birmingham Police Department for over 25 years. In 1993, he began his patrol officer career at the East Precinct. He was quickly commended for his community work and named Unsung Hero by the Birmingham News for his work with at-risk, inner-city youths.
He continued his career as a School Resource Officer and Weed & Weed Narcotics officer before he became Sergeant of the Domestic Violence Unit in 2002. He has received numerous commendations and awards from several agencies for his work with victims of violence and sexual assault, including the Verizon Wireless Hopeline Hero Award and the US Attorney’s Award.
Jackson was instrumental in the Supervised Visitation Program with the YWCA, which allows victims/non-custodial parents to meet at a safe location for visitation and exchanges. He was also a prominent advocate in bringing the Family Justice Center to the City of Birmingham, which allows victims to receive all services necessary for being involved in a criminal incident at one location.
He is the first Birmingham Police Officer to have an annual award named after him, “The James Jackson Advocacy Award,” which he can give annually to any non-profit organization of his choice by Verizon Wireless. In 2012, he was named one of Birmingham’s 50 most influential Men.
From there, he rose to Lieutenant in 2013, where he was assigned to the West Precinct. Throughout the years, he has been responsible for numerous initiatives within the department, including implementing policies and procedures, operations, and training throughout the United States.
Jackson was recognized in 2018 by the Birmingham News, AL.COM, for his KAA Magazine mentorship with troubled teens. Jackson holds many certificates in law enforcement and is a certified instructor with FLETC and the State of Alabama.
Jackson was promoted to Captain in 2018, and his first assignment as Captain was North Precinct. The City of Birmingham recognized Jackson in 2018 and 2020 for receiving the Caught Doing Good Award, awarded to individuals who go above and beyond their call of duty and exemplify the City’s CEETA values. On July 20, 2019, he was reassigned to Crimes against Property as Commander. Currently, Captain Jackson serves as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Police. He is committed to putting people first.
He believes where God is ignorant, crime runs wild. Most importantly, Captain James Jackson is a man of Faith.
