Police Officer James Henry Camp
Chicago Police Department
Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 9, 1999

Biographical Info
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 3934

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, March 9, 1999
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Officer James Henry Camp was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle. During the stop Officer Camp, who was in plainclothes, asked the driver to exit the vehicle. Once he was out of the vehicle, a struggle ensued and the offender gained control of Officer Camp's weapon, shooting him twice in the head.

The assailant then fired at another officer who was approaching the scene. The backup officer returned fire and shot the gunman five times, wounding him.

The incident occurred outside of an elementary school and was witnessed by several children.

In a travesty of justice, Officer Camp's killer was acquitted of murder and of the attempted murder of the backup officer. The killer was convicted of disarming Officer Camp and for possession of a stolen car. The judge sentenced the murderer to the maximum of two consecutive 30-year prison terms for the two other offenses of which he was convicted.

The killer appealed the sentence and was sentenced to only 28 years in prison.

Officer James Henry Camp is survived by his wife.