Steven T. Baker, CPP, PSP, PCI
Security Expert Witness and Consultant
Steven T. Baker, CPP, PSP, PCI, is President of VTI Associates and has over 38 years of experience providing security, training, and investigative services.
His experience includes conducting vulnerability and risk assessments, security operations, investigations, executive protection, litigation support, and providing training in firearms and self-defense.
Education
Having earned a Master of Science Degree in Security Administration from the University of Detroit, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Lake Superior State University, and an Associate of Science Degree in Business from Lansing Community College Steve continued his education while enrolled in the Public Affairs-Workforce Development and Organizational Leadership Doctoral program at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
While at UNLV Steve accumulated 50 post-master’s credits in research methods, criminology, education, and hospitality.
During my graduate studies I was involved in researching alcohol awareness programs, alcohol server interventions, and factors leading to aggression in licensed alcohol service venues
Certifications
Steve has earned three board certifications, first in Security Management as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), second, in Physical Security as a Physical Security Professional (PSP), and a third in Investigations as a Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), all granted by ASIS International.
Additionally, he has earned certification as a Certified Protection Officer (CPO) and a Certified Protection Officer Instructor (CPOI) by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).
Having earned multiple instructor and instructor-trainer certifications in security related disciplines Steve instructed on topics including firearms, defensive tactics, handcuffing, pepper spray, baton, tactical communication and incident de-escalation, and use-of-deadly force.
He is a former state certified instructor for concealed firearms courses by the states of Nevada, Utah, Texas and Tennessee and a former certified instructor for security officer firearms training in Nevada, Arizona California, Texas and Tennessee. Steve continues to teach civilian firearm courses in his role as an NRA Training Counselor at local gun clubs.
Associations
Current and Former Professional Associations
- ASIS International (American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
- Middle Tennessee Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
- International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA)
- International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI)
- The International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA)
- The International Association of Certified Surveillance Professionals (IACSP)
- The International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)
- Former Chapter Chairman and Education Committee Chairman for the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
- ASIS Hospitality, Entertainment, and Tourism Council (HEAT)
- Founding member of the TASER Professional Security Advisory Board
- Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board Firearm Curriculum Committee
- California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Examination Review Committee
Teaching and Instruction
Steve has served as
- Instructor with the UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) lecturing on security for Bars, Nightclubs and Use-of-Force for Security
- Adjunct Instructor in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix
- Adjunct Instructor at Southwestern College
- Instructor with TAM Nevada’s Techniques of Alcohol Management course
- Security and Civilian Firearm Instructor
- Security Arrest and Detention and Arrest and Control Instructor
- Master instructor (instructor trainer) in eight security related disciplines
Licenses
Steve holds professional licenses in three states
- Tennessee-Private Investigator, Guard Company, Security Instructor
- Nevada – Private Investigator, Private Patrol Officer
- Texas – Private Investigator, Firearm and Executive Protection Instructor
- Previously licensed in California, Arizona and Colorado
