Representative Harold James was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1988 and has been re-elected to serve the 186th Legislative District ever since. His continuous effort to serve the residents of his district has won him popularity in his community and respect among his colleagues.

Service from the start

Rep. James is a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia, and has made a lifestyle of serving the community. After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1964, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department. After two decades of distinguished service and receiving several honors and being shot in the line of duty, he retired in 1987. While serving as a police officer he continued his education at Temple University earning a certificate in police science, an associate’s degree in criminal justice and, in 1978, a bachelor’s degree in sociology. 

A distinguished leader

Rep. James’ career of service influenced his community activism. While in the House, he has focused his legislative efforts on introducing and supporting legislation dealing with criminal justice and anti-drug activity, health and human services, insurance and housing issues.

He is the former chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections of the Judiciary Committee. He currently serves as Majority Chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee and sits on the Judiciary, Agricultural & Rural Affairs and House Majority Policy Committees. He uses his background in law enforcement to advance the vital interests of south and southwest Philadelphia. Rep. James is also a member of the Substance Abuse Caucus and the co-chair of NBCSL Gun Violence Task Force.

A broader scope

Rep. James is also a member of a variety of renowned national organizations. He serves on the prominent Executive Committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Rep. James was appointed to serve on the Firearms Safety Caucus and the Criminal Justice Board of Directors of the CSG/ERC. He is on the Law and Criminal Justice Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators. He is a commissioner on the Municipal Police Officers and serves on the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.

A continued presence in the community

Rep. James continues to be active in the community. He is a former Chairman of the Christian Street YMCA Board of Managers, and currently serves on their board and the executive boards of the Philadelphia NAACP, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, Diversified Community Services, Victim Witness Services, District Health Center #2, the Point Breeze Community Network and the Point Breeze Business Association. He is also on the advisory board of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia. Rep. James is a member of the Mayor’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission. He is the former president of Guardian Civic League and a former chairman of the National Black Police Association. He is an active member of several Masonic organizations, including the DeMolay Consistory #1 33rd degree; Pyramid Temple #1, PHA, AEAONMS; and Herbert E. Millen #151, Prince Hall affiliation.  James recently revived the show, Justice Hour, which he hosts and produces, on WURD 900 AM. It runs the second Saturday of every month from 10-11 a.m. He is also a regular guest on Comcast Newsmakers.

Recognized for his contributions

Rep. James’ years of dedication to the community have earned him several distinctions and honors including being named an honorary deputy sheriff and numerous other police merit commendations. In 1980, he was named one of the Outstanding People of the Year by Philadelphia Magazine; Police Officer of the Year by the National Black Police Association; he earned the American Police Hall of Fame Community Service Award; the Guardian Civic League Al Deal Courage Award; the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award for Heroism; the National Law Enforcement Award; the Valiants Award and the PA CURE Award; and the Police Valor Award- the department’s highest distinction.

A committed future

Rep. James continues to serve his community in a variety of ways. He maintains his focus at the Capitol on the issues that affect south and southwest Philadelphians most: trying to build safer neighborhoods for families, making affordable housing and healthcare available to all residents and altering and improving some of the state’s outdated and unfair criminal justice policies. He continues to work to balance the scales of justice, by working for unity, justice and peace.