The New York State Police have traveled an especially bumpy road over the past couple of years. In 2022, then-Superintendent Kevin Bruen stepped down after Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office began investigating allegations of his handling of workplace complaints.

The following year, a separate investigation was launched into Bruen’s acting successor about whether he mistreated employees. Steve Nigrelli denied the allegations, but opted to retire because the governor had informed him he was no longer in the running for the permanent superintendent position.

In what many New Yorkers hope will be the final chapter in this saga, the state Senate earlier this month confirmed that Acting State Police Superintendent Steven James would serve in that position permanently.

James came out of retirement to accept the position. Prior to retirement, James had over three decades of experience in law enforcement as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College.

“I’m a legacy officer; essentially born and raised in Colonie,” James told Capital Tonight. “My father spent 32 years with the Colonie Police Department, so it was a simple transition as far as a career for me to pursue law enforcement.”

Hochul’s stated hope is that James will “lead the force into the next generation."

When asked what that means to him, James said knowing he has the character commensurate with what’s required.

“What it comes down to is knowing the job,” said James, who served in positions including deputy superintendent for employee relations, assistant deputy superintendent, staff inspector, major, captain, lieutenant, senior investigator, sergeant, investigator and trooper.

James has the challenge of righting the State Police agency ship after several years of turmoil.  He told Capital Tonight that while his number one priority is officer safety, he is also interested in ramping up staffing and budget to ensure the agency has what it needs to get the job done. 

“My [mission] is bringing the agency into the 21st Century with technology. That is a key," he said.

That includes using artificial intelligence, which James understands is currently ahead of both the law and ethics. 

“But it’s mainly, how we can help the public,” he said.

James was also asked about an incident last week involving Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley, who was pulled over by a Webster town police officer for speeding. The officer’s body camera footage showed the DA using her position to intimidate him. Doorley has since apologized and paid the speeding fine.  

“As a public servant, we know and realize that we have to operate at a higher standard,” James said of the case. “It says no one is above the law, and that’s the true standard. I just find if we carry ourselves in that way, where we don’t believe that we’re above the law we’re much better off.”