About James Hawthorne
Chief (Ret.) James Hawthorne, MA, is a seasoned public safety executive with more than 37 years of service in high-accountability governmental organizations, including over 20 years in senior leadership roles.
Mr. Hawthorne currently serves as Interim City Manager for the City of Venus, Texas, further reflecting his executive leadership across both public safety and municipal operations.
Prior to that, he served as Chief of Police for the Cedar Hill Independent School District, where he led school-based public safety operations for nine years, overseeing personnel, budgeting, policy development, and strategic initiatives. He previously retired as Assistant Chief of Police with the Arlington Police Department (TX) following a distinguished 28-year career.
Mr. Hawthorne is recognized for his leadership in school-based policing, youth safety, and coordinated response systems, with direct experience supporting victim services and specialized investigative functions. He has guided organizations in strengthening operational effectiveness, aligning policy with practice, and navigating complex environments requiring sound judgment, accountability, and collaboration across agencies and stakeholders.
He played a key role in developing training approaches that emphasize prevention, partnership, and practical application. This work helped shape the foundation of what is now the Youth Engagement Strategies (YES) program.
Why Organizations Choose Chief (Ret.) James Hawthorne
Extensive School-Based Policing Leadership Experience
Proven Youth Safety & Prevention Strategies
Strong Interagency Coordination & Collaboration
Practical Policy Development & Implementation Guidance
Victim Services & Investigative Support Experience
Executive Leadership Across Public Safety Systems
Schedule a consultation to discuss your school-based safety goals, youth engagement needs, and coordination priorities, then receive a clear plan for next steps.
Any Questions? Let’s talk
(817) 502-9197
Our Professionals
Meet the YES Team
Collectively, the YES team brings more than 100 years of combined experience
across policing, juvenile justice, victim services, and national policy leadership.
Theron L. Bowman, PhD
Founder/CEO/Instructor
Jaya Davis, PhD
Contributor/Instructor
James Hawthorne, MA
Contributor/Instructor
Cynthia Erich, MS
Contributor/Instructor
Pastor (Ret.) Ken Harrell
Contributor/Instructor
testimonials
What Leaders Say About YES
Our work is focused on one goal: improving outcomes for youth,
their families, and the professionals who serve them.
YES is built for moments that escalate quickly—and are often reviewed later.
Leaders who have implemented the training report that it helps professionals better understand youth behavior and approach encounters differently.
“Youth Engagement Strategies is a good interrupter—it helps break the cycle between juvenile delinquency and later adult criminal behavior.”
Consultation Available
Ready To Strengthen
Youth Encounter Outcomes?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your current challenges, training goals, and delivery options. We'll recommend a practical, tailored approach to strengthen safety, consistency, and youth engagement outcomes.
The Bowman Group is a nationally recognized public safety consulting firm that helps organizations reduce risk, rebuild trust, and strengthen safety and collaboration. Led by former police chiefs and public safety leaders, the team brings decades of experience in public safety, leadership, youth engagement, and cross-sector partnerships. We provide practical, values-driven solutions that support consistent, defensible, and sustainable outcomes.
Phone: 817-502-9197
Email: [email protected]
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tuesday: 8am - 5pm
wednesday: 8am - 5pm
thursday: 8am - 5pm
friday: 8am - 5pm
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