Major Barker has served in a variety of positions with the Indianapolis Police Department since 1969 when he began his career as a uniformed patrol officer. He was an undercover vice branch detective until 1975 when he was promoted to Sergeant. In 1978, Barker was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served in a number of positions. In 1992, Barker became a founding member of the Police Officers Support Team (POST), a peer counseling group that helps counsel officers involved in traumatic incidents.

While serving as Deputy Chief of West District, his success on the Indianapolis Westside was unparalleled and was recognized as a national model for Community Policing. His community leadership earned the praise of then Attorney General Janet Reno.

In 2000, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson appointed Barker as the 30th Chief of the Indianapolis Police Department, a position that he would hold for five years. As Chief of Police, his goal was to keep the police/community partnership strong and morally high as they worked hand in hand to make the city a safer place to live and raise families.

Barker holds a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University-Purdue University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy in Quantico, VA.