Precinct 7 Constable - Over 40 Years in Law Enforcement
Constable James "Smokie" Phillips is a distinguished law enforcement professional with over 40 years of dedicated service in Harris County, Texas. Born and raised in a community that values public service, Smokie's commitment to law enforcement was evident from a young age. He pursued higher education at the University of North Texas and later at the University of Houston Downtown, where he laid the groundwork for a career focused on justice and community engagement.
Constable Smokie's academic journey culminated in his graduation from the University of Houston Downtown Peace Officers Academy. This rigorous training equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his field. With over 3,000 hours of specialized training, Smokie has honed his expertise in various aspects of law enforcement, making him a respected figure among his peers and within the community. He is a member of the Windsor Village Church Family.
In addition to his professional achievements, Smokie is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and justice within the law enforcement community.
Constable Smokie Phillips served as the former elected president of the Harris County Afro-American Sheriff’s Deputy’s League. He has since worked extensively on employee rights issues in Harris County, and other substantive local committees. He has been on many local news stations and published news articles. He has traveled to Austin on numerous occasions and spoke on many panels during the Texas Legislative sessions on behalf of obtaining a Bill of Rights and Collective Bargaining rights for Harris County deputies.
He has received congressional awards from Congressman Al Green and the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, he has served as a Harris County Grand Juror and received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Decade from the Harris County Council of Organizations. He has also received the prestigious US Presidential Award from the President Joe Biden Administration and honored by the A. Phillip Randolph Institute for his extraordinary work in labor and employee rights. He has traveled around the country with the Rev Jesse L. Jackson, Sr fighting for civil rights and other injustices in America. He has provided security details for numerous visiting African American dignitaries to include the Honorable Louis Farrakhan.
In March 2024, Smokie Phillips achieved a significant milestone in his career when he was overwhelmingly elected as the Harris County Constable for Precinct 7 in a landslide victory. This election victory was a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service and the trust he has built within the community. His overwhelming success in the Democratic Primary showcased his ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns effectively. His re-imagining law enforcement of service to communities is unmatched.
Throughout his extensive career, Constable Smokie has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the lives of those he serves. His leadership, integrity, and passion for justice continue to inspire both his colleagues and the community at large. As he embarks on this new chapter as Constable Smokie Phillips is poised to make a lasting impact on law enforcement and community relations in Harris County.
Constable Smokie Phillips understands leadership and has cultivated the experience, skills and partnerships to lead into the next level of progressive law enforcement and what it takes to effectively reduce crime, the civil process caseloads down and to keep our justice of the peace courts safe.
Labor
- Former President, Afro-American Sheriff’s Deputy’s League, Harris County
- Member, (AFSCME) American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
- Lifetime Member A. Philip Randolph Institute Houston Chapter
Awards
- The US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)
- Congressional Recognition Award Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee
- Special Congressional Recognition Award Congressman Al Green
- Harris County Council of Organization Law Enforcement of the Decade
- Certificate Award Appreciation for Grand Jury Service Harris County
- Numerous awards and certificates for outstanding public service
Memberships
- Lifetime Member (NAPO) National Association of Police Organizations, Inc
- Member (NABCJ) National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
- Member (IACP) International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Member (NAACP) National Association Advance Colored People
- Member (NOBLE) National Organization Black Law Executives
- Member (COC) Color of Change