City Manager Jim Lewis announced today that he has selected Jeff Smith to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Pismo Beach. Smith is currently serving as the Interim Chief of Police for the City of San Luis Obispo. Following a nationwide recruitment, Smith was selected as the top choice from among an impressive group of qualified candidates to serve the Pismo Beach community and Police Department. 

“We are fortunate to have found our next Chief of Police to continue our tradition of excellence and integrity for the City of Pismo Beach” stated Lewis. “Jeff Smith embodies the qualities that our community has come to expect from the men and women of the Pismo Beach Police Department; humility, honor, trust, selflessness, and service.” Lewis added, “as an accomplished law enforcement professional, Jeff has served proudly and gained the respect and admiration of those that work alongside him.” 

The City Council is anticipated to confirm Jeff Smith’s appointment as Chief of Police on April 6, 2021, and he will begin his service as Chief of Police following the completion of the background check. 

Smith began his law enforcement career in Fontana, where he served as a Police Officer for two years, prior to joining the San Luis Obispo Police Department. During his 18 years with San Luis Obispo, he has held the rank of Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Interim Chief of Police. In addition to his law enforcement service, Smith served as a United States Coast Guard Reserve from 1990 to 1998 under the rank of Petty Officer, 3rd Class. Just as notable as his service as a law enforcement professional, was his time spent as an educator of elementary and intermediate age school children, were he cemented his passion for training and development.

Smith has held various law enforcement assignments, include Field Training Officer, regional SWAT team, narcotics investigations, Defensive Tactics Team, and developed active shooter training. In his role as Police Captain, Smith oversaw investigations, dispatch, records, property, training and hiring, as well as administrative staff. 

In addition, Smith was instrumental in collaborating with San Luis Obispo County Mental Health to create a new position and have the San Luis Obispo Police Department hire a social worker to work with the Community Action Team, and developed a city-wide homeless response team to address open space homeless camps and problems related to homelessness. 

“I am thrilled to have been selected to be the next Chief of Police for the City of Pismo Beach. For the past 23 years, Pismo Beach has been a special place for my family, so I eagerly anticipate serving and giving back to the community,” said Jeff Smith.

Smith lives in Atascadero with his wife and three children. He received both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Azusa Pacific University and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute as well as the 266th Session of the FBI National Academy.