Lieutenant Steve Smith has spent almost 15 years in law enforcement and graduated from the police academy in December 1994. Smith began work as a city police officer in Colorado City in June 1995. He began work as Hood County deputy sheriff in October 1998. Smith was a patrol sergeant and a lieutenant for a total time of approximately nine years. He is currently the SWAT commander and training coordinator.

Smith has advanced peace officer certification and was awarded the law enforcement supervisor of the year in 2006. He is also a certified firearms instructor, TCLEOSE instructor, SFST instructor, field training coordinator, and has advanced SWAT certification. He specializes in DWI interdiction and supervising patrol shifts, and has trained hundreds of officers.