Director James R. Burke begins his career at the Boca Raton Police Services Department in 1985. Director Burke served as the Assistant Chief in the Field Services Bureau along with the Administration Service Bureau. From December, 2006 to July, 2007, Director Burke served as Acting Chief of Police. Prior to 2004, Director Burke worked for 12 years in the Investigative Service Bureau as an investigator, a sergeant and a captain. Since August, 2007, Director Burke has been in charge of the Support Services Bureau, which includes the Communications, Records, and Crime Analysis sections.

In 1999, Director Burke was named the Department's Officer of the Year for his work on Operation No Mas, which was the United States' largest money laundering case in history. Director Burke holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Louisiana State University. Director Burke is a member of the following professional and civic organizations:

• FBI National Academy Member
• The Florida Chiefs of Police Association
• The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

In June, 2003, Director Burke graduated from the FBI National Academy 213 Session.