Ellis Stafford is a distinguished law enforcement professional and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who retired from the Michigan State Police in 2011 after 23 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he held the rank of Inspector and served as Assistant Division Commander of the department’s Special Operations Division, overseeing critical investigations and tactical response initiatives across the state.

 

Throughout his career with the State Police, Ellis held numerous leadership roles, including Commander of the Investigative Support Section, Assistant Division Commander of the Southeast Criminal Investigation Division, and Assistant Second District Commander. His work reflected a commitment to operational excellence, strategic coordination, and integrity at every level of policing.

 

Ellis is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, two of the most prestigious law enforcement training programs in the nation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University and remains actively involved in the law enforcement community as a member of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Oakland County Chiefs of Police.

 

With a legacy of leadership rooted in service, discipline, and public safety, Ellis Stafford continues to be a respected voice in Michigan’s law enforcement and public service circles.