Chief Matt Smith grew up in Southern California and has proudly called Grand Junction home for more than 25 years. He began his law enforcement career with the Cortez Police Department before joining the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) in 1999. Over the course of his career, he has steadily risen through the ranks, serving in both Services and Operations Divisions. His leadership has extended across a wide range of responsibilities, including patrol, investigations, school resource officers, the community resource unit, the regional communications center, SWAT, professional standards, training, and more.
Chief Smith has also held several specialized assignments, serving as a narcotics detective, firearms instructor, tactics instructor, SWAT operator, and SWAT Commander. In January 2023, he was appointed Chief of Police.