Thomas “Tom” Baker, M.A.: Defense Investigator and Policing Expert

Tom is a seasoned criminal defense investigator with over two decades of experience analyzing and investigating complex criminal cases from every angle - as a police officer, detective, academic researcher, and, most recently, as a felony investigator for the defense. With an extensive professional history rooted deeply in both practical and academic arenas, Tom offers a uniquely comprehensive investigative perspective tailored explicitly for defense attorneys seeking rigorous, thorough, and strategic case support.

A Proven Record of Investigative Excellence

For the past several years, Tom has managed a demanding felony caseload at the King County Department of Public Defense, routinely carrying between 80 and 100 active cases at any given time. His assignments have primarily encompassed the most severe charges, including homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, and other complex felonies. This high-volume, high-stakes workload required exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and advanced investigative acumen. It also honed his ability to rapidly synthesize complex information, coordinate sophisticated investigative strategies, and communicate findings compellingly and clearly.

A Commitment to Personalized, Client-Centered Investigations

Tom is transitioning from his role at the King County Department of Public Defense in June 2nd, 2025 with a clear vision for his private practice: to provide each client and their attorney the comprehensive, individualized attention they deserve. Tom deeply believes that every defendant, when facing the immense power of the state, merits the highest quality investigative support available. By stepping into private practice, he is committed to delivering precisely that - an unmatched level of investigative rigor, strategic insight, and personalized service.

An Investigator Who Enhances Your Team, Not Just Observes It

Tom understands that every defense attorney approaches each case uniquely. He prides himself on seamlessly integrating with your legal team, adapting his methods and strategies to your specific needs and preferences. Unlike investigators who merely accompany attorneys as "impeachment witnesses," Tom actively contributes at each stage of the investigative process. He is comfortable and skilled at leading witness interviews, developing case theories, and collaborating directly with attorneys and experts to ensure each investigation aligns closely with the broader defense strategy. He understands the value of well-prepared, professionally executed interviews and prefers to lead as many as the attorney feels comfortable delegating. However, recognizing the varied styles and comfort levels of different attorneys, Tom maintains flexibility and adaptability, tailoring his involvement to best suit your individual approach.

Specialized Felony Experience, Compassion for All Defendants

While Tom specializes in felony-level charges - including complex violent crimes, serious assaults, sexual offenses, robberies, and homicide - he also fully appreciates the profound impact even misdemeanor charges can have upon individuals and their families. For defense attorneys facing particularly challenging misdemeanor cases or those requiring specialized investigative support, Tom remains open to accepting misdemeanor assignments to ensure your clients receive the investigative quality and depth of analysis they deserve, regardless of the charges they face.

Advanced Technical Skills and Cutting-Edge Tools

Tom is not just an experienced investigator - he also brings cutting-edge technical expertise. He has pioneered integrating advanced technology and custom-built investigative tools into his workflow, including Python-driven data extraction and analysis, AI-enhanced case management systems, interactive geospatial mapping with React and Leaflet, automated timeline creation, and innovative evidence visualization methods. His fluency in managing digital evidence, analyzing complex datasets, and efficiently reviewing discovery materials significantly enhances the quality and efficiency of his investigative outcomes.

Diverse Professional Background and Rigorous Academic Foundation

Before joining the defense community, Tom served as a police officer and detective in Arizona, where he worked as a patrol officer, an instructor of police recruits at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, and as investigator in a unit focused on serious felonies requiring a rapid investigative response. Additionally, Tom has an extensive academic background as a researcher, funded by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Justice. His academic work, including peer-reviewed publications and collaborative research projects, focused extensively on officer-involved homicides, violent crime prevention, and the systemic and social dynamics underlying criminal justice interactions. This combination of practical investigative experience with rigorous academic research allows Tom to approach every investigation with an elevated level of nuance, insight, and strategic clarity.

A Trusted Expert Witness and Thought Leader

Tom has significant experience serving as an expert witness on matters related to police procedure and use-of-force. His deep knowledge of policing practices, coupled with his credibility, clarity, and confidence on the witness stand, makes him a valuable asset for defense teams requiring expert analysis and testimony.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Tom's commitment to fairness, justice, and professional excellence extends beyond his professional life. He has volunteered his expertise serving on nonprofit boards, providing security and training for political campaigns, evaluating scholarship candidates for the Pat Tillman Foundation, and actively participating in public discussions about race, policing, and criminal justice reform. These engagements reflect his genuine commitment to social justice, community well-being, and meaningful criminal justice reform. Currently, Tom provides free training to legal defense teams aiming to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and publicly available data (typically, information acquired via public disclosure request).

Why Choose Tom Baker?

When you partner with Tom Baker, you gain far more than a traditional investigator. You gain:

Decades of combined practical and academic investigative expertise covering every aspect of criminal investigations.
A dedicated partner who actively participates in strategy development, witness interviewing, and case preparation tailored to your unique needs.
Advanced technical capabilities that enhance investigative efficiency, clarity, and effectiveness.
Proven experience and credibility as an expert witness in police procedures and criminal investigations.
A personalized, client-focused approach that ensures each case receives the attention, depth of analysis, and strategic thinking it deserves.

Tom Baker is ready to provide your defense team with the investigative insight, expertise, and partnership essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for your clients. Let him help you deliver the rigorous defense every client deserves.

For inquiries, consultation requests, or further discussions about working together, please contact Tom directly:

Email: thomas@totusdefense.com