He joined the Lima Police Department in May 1992 and has steadily moved through the ranks, introducing new and innovative programs to improve the department’s efficiency and reach. Among his most notable contributions is the department’s advancement in digital investigations.
The City of Lima's Human Resources Director talked to council members about the upcoming process of selecting Lima's next Chief of Police. At Monday night's Human Resources Committee meeting, it was announced that current Lima Police Chief, James Baker, will plan to retire on July 7th. According to Lima Human Resources Director, Della Bradford, there are two Majors with the Lima Police Department eligible to take the Police Chief promotional exam. If one or both of the Majors decide not to run for Police Chief, the City of Lima will provide Lieutenants the chance to take the exam. Following Monday night's committee meeting, we talked with Bradford about the next steps of this process.
A 32-year veteran of the Lima Police Department is now set to take the helm. Major James Baker was sworn in by Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith Wednesday morning as Lima's newest police chief. He is replacing retiring Chief Angel Cortes. Baker's vision for the Lima Police Department is to build upon the foundations built by Cortes and his predecessors, focusing on three crucial areas. The use of advanced technology, the building of trust and partnerships with the community, and the recruiting and hiring of new officers.
A Spencerville man was caught breaking into a rural Mercer County home and his accomplice is still on the run.
