The Orlando Police Department
Hybrid Meeting – May 16, 2024
Chief Eric D. Smith has served the Orlando Community since 1994, when he joined the Orlando Police Department. After moving to Orlando, Florida, in 1989, he played football for the University of Central Florida Knights while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and later a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Oklahoma.
In his 28-year career, Chief Smith has served in various leadership roles. As the patrol bureau commander, he oversaw over 500 members of the Orlando Police Department. He has held the position of High-Risk Incident Commander for over seven years, K9 handler, commander of Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and a member of the SWAT team for 19 years.
Since Chief Smith became the 40th Chief of Police in August 2022, he has made it his mission to reduce violent crime and build neighborhood relations. Crime is significantly down in the City of Orlando, and we have over 1,000 Neighborhood Watch Members thanks to the hard work and dedication of the officers and staff under Chief Smith’s leadership.
Chief Smith credits his experience with the internationally recognized SWAT team for preparing him to be the decisive, effective law enforcement leader he is today. With over twenty years of experience in high-risk and high liability tactical operations and incidents, Smith's knowledge and expertise have been sought locally, nationally, and internationally. He makes it his daily mission to motivate and prepare officers to develop an accomplished career path through the many opportunities the Orlando Police Department provides.
Chief Smith is an advisor to OPD's Operation Positive Direction and is professionally affiliated with organizations including the YMCA of Central Florida board of directors, United Against Poverty Orlando, Boy Scouts of America, University of Central Florida Dean’s Advisory Board, Valencia College Student Affairs, After School All-Stars Program, and the Camaraderie Foundation.
Chief Smith also serves as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and is a graduate of the 269th session of the FBI National Academy.