The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - JUNE 1998

COL. CARL BAKER, CHIEF OF POLICE
OF THE CHESTERFIELD (VA) POLICE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Col. Carl Baker, Chief of Police of the Chesterfield (VA) Police Department, as its Officer of the Month for June 1998. Col. Baker is only the second senior commander to receive this prestigious award.

According to NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd, "Col. Carl Baker is the quintessential law enforcement officer. He is a dedicated individual who has come up through the police ranks in New York and Virginia. Col. Baker's dedication and contributions to law enforcement are unsurpassed."

As a young budget analyst in New York, Carl Baker looked out the window of his office one day and knew he wanted something more out of his professional life. He wanted to make a difference and so he joined the New York State Police in February 1970. As a New York State Trooper, he was one of the first officers through the gate during the deadly 1971 prison uprising in Attica, New York.

For the next nine years, Col. Baker served as a trooper, sergeant and investigator. His specialty was criminal investigation. A highlight of his career was helping to convict members of the deadly Hell's Angels motorcycle gang who were terrorizing the state. "One of the greatest compliments I ever received," said Baker, "was from the Hells Angel's attorney. He asked the prosecutor if I would be testifying. He said, '[Baker's] like the little Dutch Boy. Every time I poke a hole in your case, Baker comes along and puts his finger in the hole." All of Col. Baker's cases held up under appeal.

"He was extremely well respected throughout the organization," says Gary Dunne, Director of Corporate Security for the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and a former New York State Inspector. "Carl had the uncanny ability to make the right decision among multiple choices. He continually studied every aspect of a project to see how it would benefit his officers. The hallmark of Carl Baker is he always goes back to his roots." Col. Baker's roots are the officers on the street.

In 1990, Col. Baker retired from the New York State Police as Deputy Superintendent. He became the Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the Virginia State Police and in 1992 he was appointed Superintendent. His contributions to the Virginia State Police were impressive. Henry Hudson, former Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, says of his friend, "Carl Baker is a unique blend of cop and CEO. He is always sensitive to the impact of his decisions on the officer on the street. He has superb management skills and the type of political savvy that gives him instant credibility with the Virginia legislature and the public. He is considered one of the premiere law enforcement managers of Virginia."

Col. Baker held the title of Superintendent of the Virginia State Police until 1994 when he accepted an appointment by the Governor to become Deputy Secretary of Public Safety.

In 1996, Col. Baker retired from his job as Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and accepted the position of Chief of Police for Chesterfield, Virginia. "One of his first acts," according to Lt. Col. Dennis McDonald, "was to respond to a report of a bank robbery. After being briefed, he joined his fellow officers on the perimeter to observe the set up. Within 10 minutes Col. Baker signaled his officers that he saw something in the woods. Proceeding into the woods, Col. Baker apprehended the bank robber."

Currently serving as the chairman for the National Institute of Justice's Committee on Technology for Law Enforcement and Corrections, this highly decorated officer has brought his national experience to small town USA. A proponent of community policing, he's implemented a community service program at the Chesterfield mall that is highly successful. "He has brought a more universal approach as well as advanced technology to this department," says County Administrator Lane Ramsey. "All of his contributions to our police department make us a leader in the law enforcement field."