Chief's Message

Welcome to the Des Moines Police Department web site.  I have the honor and privilege to serve as Chief of Police for the sixty dedicated men and women of the Police Department and the beautiful waterfront community of Des Moines.

The motto of the Des Moines Police Department is “Community First”.  This commitment to our community is the cornerstone of our business model.  We embrace creative and innovative community policing concepts to reduce crime and the fear of crime in Des Moines. 

Our mission statement serves as a guide for the services that we provide and our values statement serves as a guide for how we provide those services.  Our strategic plan helps to prioritize our efforts and activities. 

Please use our web site to assist you in finding the service information you desire and to learn more about the Des Moines Police Department.  We welcome your questions and comments.

I can be contacted at (206) 870-7634 or rbaker@desmoineswa.gov 

Roger Baker was appointed Chief of the Des Moines Police Department on January 4, 2004.  Chief Baker came to the City of Des Moines from the City of Anaheim, California, where he served for 29 years and retired as Chief of the Anaheim Police Department. 

Chief Baker’s formal education  includes:  Bachelor and Master Degrees in Psychology, Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership, FBI National Academy graduate, and graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice Southwest Command College.  He holds three lifetime college teaching credentials.

He is also a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Past Chairperson of the King County, Washington, Police Chiefs Association, and a charter member of the Society of Police Futurist.