Meet James Warriner

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Warriner.

Hi James, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
On April 1, 2022, I retired from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Enforcement Compliance Division, Office of Inspector General, as the Operations Commander for 40 plus detectives.

In the past, I have served on the board of the Concerns of Police Survivors Arizona Chapter. I retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety after 31.5 years as a Lieutenant, during my short two years of retirement I worked as a counselor and trainer to the Public Safety community and their families. In 2006 I graduated from ASU with my Masters of Counseling, and continue to be a Licensed Counselor. I have been a member of the Arizona chapter since 1994.

In the past, I have served on the board as the Vice-President 4-years (served as VP two times) and served as the Past-President, and currently serving as the President for the second time. As a chapter, we sponsor many events which support all of our surviving Family members and Co-Workers throughout Arizona. These events range from the annual holiday party, annual Memorial 5-K, and annual Police Week orientation for first-year survivors by supporting them, and information, related to attending National Police Week.

I have participated in each event, and as a surviving co-worker, I can be an excellent link to our chapter and functions. I have been able to share lessons learned from the perspective of a law enforcement agency, a sworn officer, and a surviving co-worker. I have been instrumental in linking Arizona’s co-worker survivors with National C.O.P.S.’s Co-workers Retreats.

I was one of the chapter members that was instrumental in bringing the Annual COPS Walk Southwest to Arizona, which continues to be successful each year.  I was one of the first Arizona members to attend special training regarding PSOB benefits and have assisted the States of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and many other agencies within Arizona. The Arizona chapter started an annual Memorial 5K walk/run 19 – years ago.

Over the last several years we are seeing some of the largest events we have seen a consistent average attendance of approximately 1000 plus walkers and runners. Our Chapter participates in providing information about COPS at over 20 other events each year. I also assisted in the chapter obtaining our Fallen Officers Plate, which is one of our largest fundraising programs, along with the annual Memorial 5-K.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is finding new survivors to get involved with the Arizona Chapter, for succession planning. Over the last eight years, we have been able to change this problem and we have several new survivors taking on leadership roles so the chapter will continue to grow in the future.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
During my 42 years in a public safety career, I have also served as the Vice-President of the Arizona Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals for 6 years. I have assisted agencies in developing and establishing an agency team and workplace violence policy. I have overseen numerous Risk and Threat Assessments involving department/agency employees.

I have consulted with other agencies and businesses on Risk and Threat Assessment issues. I have an advantage in that I can look at these assessments from both a Law Enforcement view as well as from a psychological point of view. I have also served as the acting president when the president was not available.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue to assist the Concerns of Police Survivors Arizona in growing and help the families and co-workers throughout Arizona and Nationally know that there is hope for healing after losing a family member or co-worker to a Line-of-Duty Death.

I will also be working with the public safety communities to push to ensure that agencies are putting training in place to take care of their mental health along with, physical, officer safety tactics and de-escalation training in high risk situations.

Contact Info:

• Website: copsarizona.org