OPD Deputy Chief Retires, Reflects on 25 Years of Service in Oxford

Deputy Chief James Owens

Deputy Chief James Owens might be retiring from the Oxford Police Department at the end of July, but Oxonians will still get to see him around town. “I’ll be moving over to the federal building,” he said. “Most everyone in Oxford will still see me periodically. I’ll still be around.”

Owens has been with OPD for the past 25 years, and is best known as the county’s first D.A.R.E officer for the city, county and private schools. “I guess that’s where I got my claim to fame,” Owens said with a laugh. “As those children grew up, they never forgot me. They had children who got to know me as well.”
Owens said the D.A.R.E program was one of his most rewarding experiences in law enforcement. “It gave me a closer interaction with the community and helped me, in some ways, to shape the future of some of those young people,” he said. “Hopefully I helped change their attitude and the way they look and view police officers.”

Owens has also served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, narcotics officer, housing officer, patrol lieutenant, patrol captain, major of operations and deputy chief.

He got his start in law enforcement at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 1987. Three years later, he came to work for OPD. “It’s an interesting story how I got here,” Owens said. “I had the opportunity to go to Southaven, and both departments called me on the same day. Oxford just beat Southaven to the punch by calling earlier that morning.”

Owens said he has no regrets about taking the job in Oxford. “If I had it to do all over again, I would do it again,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every day I’ve been here. I always wake up energized about coming to work, and the majority of my days here have been really good days.”

Owens said retiring from a job he enjoys is bittersweet, but he looks forward to opening the door in another capacity at the federal building. “I’ll never forget the men and women at the Oxford Police Department,” he said. “I appreciate them for everything they’ve done for me as well as the Oxford community, which embraced me and allowed me to be able to lead and serve the community the way I did. I just hope I’ve done a good job.”

Owens said he wishes to thank to citizens of Oxford for the opportunity to serve them. “If there’s anything I can ever do for anyone, please don’t hesitate to ask,” he said. “I will do what I can.”

To celebrate Owens’ career, OPD is holding a retirement party Tuesday, July 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Oxford Conference center. The public is encouraged to come out and give Chief Owens their best wishes.

Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com