Alexandria Chief of Police David Baker has served as chief for almost three years and has filled various law enforcement roles during his nearly 40 years of service in the Washington area. Baker, 58, is married and has two children and two stepchildren. He was born in California and moved around the country for his father’s military career before ending up in the D.C. area at age 10. He attended George Mason University.
Why did you enter law enforcement?
I always wanted to be a police officer when I was a little kid. My dad was a military officer, and at a young age, I had a high regard for what he did and for his uniform. I looked up to the police officers I came into contact with from time to time. I joined the Washington, D.C., police when I was 20 years old.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I enjoy the challenge of running an organization and the challenge of this whole business of figuring out how you can reduce crime and improve the quality of life. I also enjoy the human relations aspect of running an organization like this. It’s gratifying for me to see what [the officers] do every day. We expect more from them than we ever have, and we hold them more accountable. They must be all things to all people at all times. I have a great affection for the men and women of the department.
What is the most exciting or frightening thing you have experienced on the job?
One thing is, in general, how horrible some people can be to other people. But on the other side of that, you see exactly the opposite. You can see what gifts some people in our society give to others.
How will you approach your 40th year of service?
My excitement for the job going into my 40th year is about the same as when I entered the service, which is probably a good thing. I just enjoy coming to work every day.
