Jim Smith has been appointed the new Monterey Park Police Chief, effective October 1, 2011. The City Council ratified his contract at their October 5, 2011 Council meeting, with 5-0 unanimous vote of confidence.

Chief Smith began his career with the Monterey Park Police Department as a Police Explorer Scout and served as a Reserve Police Officer. He has been employed as a full time Police Officer by the City of Monterey Park since 1992. During this time he has held every rank in the Department and worked various assignments in Patrol, Investigations, and Community Relations. He was appointed Interim Chief of Police in September 2009. He has also served as Acting City Manager on several parcours obstacle gonflable occasions during 2010.

Chief Smith was raised in Rosemead and is a graduate of Mark Keppel High School. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Mt. San Antonio College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Los Angeles, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He is a graduate of the 214th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy and the 118th Class of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

Chief Smith is a member and past president of the Monterey Park Lions Club, a member of the Board of Directors for the Asian Youth Center, and a steering committee member for the Pacific Clinics Mental Illness and Law Enforcement Systems (M.I.L.E.S.) program. His membership in professional organizations includes the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, San Gabriel Valley Peace Officers’ Association, FBI National Academy Associates, California Peace Officers Association, California Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Police Futurists International. In his spare time he coaches youth baseball. He and his wife, Margie, have a 15-year-old son.