The U.S. Park Police has selected Patrick C. Smith for promotion to major of its Patrol Branch, Operations Division, in Washington, D.C. In this position he will be responsible for overseeing patrol operations in the National Capital Region. His promotion took effect Sept. 28, 2008. 

Smith, a 21-year veteran of the force, formerly served as a U.S. Park Police captain.  At that rank, he served as the regional law-enforcement specialist for the National Capital Region and as the Patrol Branch East District commander overseeing National Capital Parks-East. As a lieutenant, he served as assistant commander, Planning and Development Unit, Shift Commander’s Office, and commander of SWAT and Canine in Washington, D.C. He also served as a sergeant and officer with SWAT and as a criminal investigator with the Criminal Investigations Branch.

Smith has also been involved as an International Association of Chief’s of Police Visiting Fellow. He is fluent in Spanish; and since 1989, he has served on the Secretary of the Interior’s Protection Detail during six trips to Latin America.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in government and politics and has completed graduate-level courses from the University of Virginia. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

He and his wife, Janet, have been married for 20 years. They have a daughter in college and a son in high school. Smith was a collegiate wrestler, holds a black belt in Judo, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and assists in coaching his son in wrestling.

“Pat brings significant leadership and experience to the Patrol Branch with his diverse background,” said Acting Assistant Chief Sal Lauro. “I expect him to hit the ground running and to provide motivation and guidance to the patrol officers under his command.”