James Gallagher began his career with the Bloomfield Township Police Department on December 18, 2000, after graduating from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. During his time as a police officer, Gallagher held positions as a Field Training Officer and CAD dispatch trained officer. He served as a member of the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team and past President of the Bloomfield Township Police Benevolent Association. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2014 and supervised both the Patrol Division and Investigations Division. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017 and served in the Patrol Division until his promotion to Captain in June, 2019. Gallagher oversaw the Patrol Operations Division and Administration Division consisting of budgeting, hiring, training, Animal Welfare and the Dispatch Center. Gallagher is a graduate of the Michigan State University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy consisting of Supervisory, Command and Executive Leadership Institute. He is an Instructor at the Oakland Police Academy and a past Facilitator for the MSU School of Staff and Command.
He has also had the privilege of representing and coordinating the mental health co-response team in Bloomfield Township and in partnership with the Birmingham and Auburn Hills Police Departments.
On, July 1, 2022, Gallagher was promoted to Chief of Police. Chief Gallagher is honored by the opportunity to lead the great men and women of the Bloomfield Township Police Department and to provide best-in-class police services to the residents of Bloomfield Township. Chief Gallagher is thankful to the previous Chiefs who helped prepare him for this opportunity.
Chief Gallagher is a member of the following organizations:
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
- Oakland County Association of Chiefs of Police
- Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
On December 12, 2024, Chief Gallagher graduated as a member of 292nd session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. The 292nd session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 27 countries, eight military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
"It was one of the best trainings of my career, from the level of training, to the quality of instructors, to the partnerships we created along the way," said Police Chief James Gallagher.