James Morris sounds like someone dreamed up by desperate Hollywood writers, looking to find a premise for a new television series. He is both a veteran homicide investigator for the Oakland Police Department and a preacher. Jim Herron Zamora of the San Francisco Chronicle writes respectfully of  officer/preacher Morris today, and the path that brought him to his remarkable dual career.

"The two roles complement each other," said Morris, 45, a police officer for 24 years. "I investigate homicides. My job is to arrest killers - bring them to justice. But beyond that I have a role in trying to heal the community. My faith, my commitment to Christ guides me in that role."

Morris, known as "Mo" to fellow cops, did not grow up religious but came to Christ nearly 10 years ago. By then he already had a reputation as a tough, street-savvy cop willing to take on the toughest assignments. He also gained a reputation as a prankster, known for cutting out photos of his colleagues' heads and pasting them in unflattering poses onto pictures of athletes or movie stars with amusing captions.

"Murder is spiritual," Morris said from the pulpit. "When you take someone's life, you are saying you are God - that you can decide who lives or dies."