Police Officer James Henry Camp, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Police Officer James Henry Camp

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, March 9, 1999

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James Henry Camp

Officer James Henry Camp was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle. During the stop, Officer Camp, who was in plain clothes, 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.

Officer Camp's killer was acquitted of murder and of the attempted murder of the backup officer. The subject 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 subject appealed the sentence and was sentenced to only 28 years in prison.

Officer Camp was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 5 years
Badge 3934
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Acquitted

plainclothes, stolen vehicle, traffic stop

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Some people leave deep impressions on your heart because of how they live their lives. James Camp was one of those people. James worked for a security company in the mall where I managed a couple of jewelry stores. This was right before his tour with the CPD. He was a kind-hearted, professional man who did his work with respect and when needed firm demeanor. He was not one to be messed with if you were some petty thief or credit card hustler who had no respect for the law or the citizens who were doing their daily business. The mall was no picnic, but he treated those he detained with civility and consideration. I remember how lovingly he spoke of his family. How the men that worked with him respected him and how all of them cared for each other as brothers. James Camp was a rare human being and all these years later I know that who he was carried all of us who had the privilege of knowing him, especially his wife and loved ones through the tragedy that ended his life.

Nancy U
Work acquaintance

March 25, 2024