Howard Baugh Sr. was born on March 13, 1924, and graduated from Washington High School. He pursued higher education at Georgia Tech, Special Management School Sponsored by IACP, and Morris Brown College, where he majored in Criminology and Educational Psychology in 1973. Baugh also attended the FBI Academy Police Community Relations School. His military service began in 1943 ane concluded in 1946, during which he served in the United States Marines. Baugh was a veteran of World War II, serving as a drill sergeant instructor and platoon sergeant at Iwo Jima. He played a pivotal role in the first Occupational Forces of Japan.

After his military Service, Baugh dedicated over 27 years to the Atlanta Police Department. He shattered racial barriers, becoming one of the first black officerss promoted to Detective of the Homicide Squad. Subsequently, Baugh achieved a series of historic firsts, becoming the first black Lieutenant, Captain, and Superintendent. Baugh was the first Superior Officer assigned to organize the Crime Prevention Bureau, initiated Police Action Line, and was appointed by Mayor Maynard Jackon's administration through a U.S. request as Chief of Police of the Virgin Islands.