GLYNCO, Ga. - The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul E. Baker as its new Deputy Director. Mr. Baker brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in law enforcement training and leadership development across multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He will officially assume his new role on October 7, 2024.

Before joining FLETC, Mr. Baker served as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of CBP's Office of Training and Development (OTD) and as CBP’s Deputy Chief Learning Officer. In this capacity, he led a team of over 1,000 employees, managed a $300 million budget, and oversaw basic and advanced training programs across seven training academies, supporting more than 60,000 employees worldwide. His leadership in developing award-winning training and education initiatives spanned technical law enforcement, leadership training, mentoring, tuition assistance, and distance learning.

Mr. Baker also served in the White House Military Office as the Director of Training and Evaluation from 2012 to 2014. He managed an extensive operational test and evaluation program for the nation’s most critical national security and emergency response assets, ensuring the integrated learning of over 2,300 personnel across a multi-billion-dollar network of joint service and interagency resources supporting the Presidency.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Baker was the Commanding Officer of the United States Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, where he led the development of key law enforcement training programs, including the Maritime Enforcement Specialist training program. He also oversaw five Congressionally mandated regional law enforcement fishery training centers nationwide and served on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board of Directors from 2009 to 2012. A retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, Mr. Baker served more than 21 years on active duty in various afloat and ashore roles.

Mr. Baker is a 1993 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and holds a Master of Science in Instructional Systems from Florida State University. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to law enforcement training, including awards from the Association for Talent Development, Chief Learning Officers, and the International Society of Performance Improvement. His military honors include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the 9/11 Medal, four Commendation Medals, and the Presidential Service Badge.