Eric Smith, Police Chief for the City of Orlando, is one of the city’s highest-paid employees.
Eric Smith manages the Orlando Police Department (OPD) as the 40th Chief of OPD and has served Orlando in various leadership roles since 1994.
Per a recent West Orlando News public records request, Eric D. Smith makes $234,748.80 of base pay on an annualized basis.
According to the records provided by the City of Orlando, the Police Chief position:
- Plans, organizes, controls and directs, through Deputy Chiefs and subordinate managers, all law enforcement functions within the City to ensure the development and implementation of plans/strategies that properly investigate, identify, and apprehend law violators as well as promote the law enforcement function and educate the public regarding crime prevention measures.
- Develops and controls an operating budget of twenty-two million dollars; directs the expenditure of funds for major programs and justifies departmental needs.
- Consults with and advises City managers and other law enforcement officials regarding crime prevention, crime suppression, and related issues.
- Participates in the development and/or revision of local ordinances, state laws, and other regulations that may impact law enforcement activities within the City.
- Directs planning and research activities and establishes departmental policies, procedures, and new/revised programs.
- Provides policy direction regarding the management of crime prevention, community service and related programs administered by the department.
- Attends various business, civic and social events to represent the Police Department. Makes presentations to these groups as needed to promote public awareness of the law enforcement function and explains the goals, missions, and function of the department.
- Monitors the selection, training, promotion, and disciplinary practices of the department to ensure compliance with applicable contracts and laws. Authorizes major personnel actions and organizational changes.
- May assume command in emergency situations and determine tactics/strategies which directly affect the safety and security of lives and property.
- Meets frequently with command staff to discuss projects, formulate procedures and new programs, resolve operational problems and generally keep abreast of relevant issues that affect the Police Department.
- Performs related work as needed to ensure the accomplishment of departmental goals and objectives.
The records also listed the following “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities” necessary for the Police Chief position in Orlando:
- Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of law enforcement.
- Extensive knowledge of the methods and practices of crime prevention and criminal investigation and identification.
- Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, and policies of the City and the department.
- Ability to plan and direct long term plans and programs and to evaluate work accomplishments.
- Ability to analyze, prepare, and present the department’s needs and control a multi-million dollar budget.
- Ability to analyze and interpret statistics, studies and analyses related to law enforcement and apply the results to solution of police problems.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, other City employees, citizen and professional groups and the general public.
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Is this Police Chief salary at the Orlando Police Department worth it for taxpayers? Check here for more salaries of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s executive staff.
