City Manager Greg Caton has appointed current Deputy Chief Matt Smith as the Interim Chief of the Grand Junction Police Department until a national search can be conducted to fill the current vacancy.
Deputy Chief Smith joined the Grand Junction Police Department in 1999 after beginning his law enforcement career at the Cortez Police Department. Smith has served as a deputy chief for the department for the past three years. During that time, he has overseen the Operations division which includes patrol and all other uniformed personnel as well as the Services division which includes Investigations, Training, Internal Affairs Office, the Records Department, and the Property and Evidence Lab, as well as the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center.
“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Matt Smith to serve Grand Junction as our Interim Police Chief,” stated Greg Caton city manager. “Matt has a proven track record of strong leadership for our police department and exemplifies department values of professionalism, integrity, compassion, and service. In his new role, Matt will continue to build on strong relationships that exist between the department, our community, partnering organizations and local businesses,” continued Caton.
During his tenure with the Grand Junction Police Department, Smith has been promoted through the ranks from Sergeant to Commander to Deputy Chief. Special assignments have included participating as a detective on the Grand Valley Joint Drug Task Force, as a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) officer, and providing oversight of the Community Resource Unit, and School Resource Officers, Code Enforcement, Professional Standards, the driving program, firearms, patrol tactics, and serving as the SWAT Commander.
“I am honored to serve the people of Grand Junction in this new role as Interim Chief,” stated Chief Smith. “It is also my privilege to lead an exceptional group of women and men who have dedicated their careers to protecting the lives of those who live, work, learn, and play in our community.”
Smith is a veteran of the United States Navy and serves as a member of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the FBI National Academy Associates. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University and is a graduate of the 271st FBI National Academy and the 58th Session of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police. Smith also attended the National Tactical Officers Association SWAT Command Decision-Making and Leadership course.
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Contact: Sara Spaulding, Communications & Engagement Director | 970-985-8180 or saras@gjcity.org