Pamela A. Smith

Pamela A. Smith currently serves as the Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homeland Security Bureau (HSB). Within her command, Pamela is responsible for the MPD’s Special Operations Division, Joint Strategic & Tactical Analysis Command Center, and the Office of Intelligence. Before assuming her current position, she served as MPD’s Chief Equity Officer, where she spearheaded initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Prior to her tenure with the MPD, Pamela dedicated 24 years of service to the United States Park Police (USPP). Commencing her law enforcement journey in 1998, she held a range of roles to include patrol officer, field training officer, canine handler, and academy instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Propelled by a dedication to excellence, Pamela advanced through the ranks of the USPP serving as the Executive Lieutenant to the Chief, Assistant Commander of the San Francisco Field Office, Commander of the New York Field Office, Acting Deputy Chief of the Homeland Security Division, and Deputy Chief of Field Operations Division. In 2021, Pamela was selected to be the Chief of Police for the USPP, establishing her as the first African American woman to lead the 230-year-old agency.

Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and augmented her knowledge and expertise in criminal justice by obtaining a Graduate Certificate from the University of Virginia. Further enhancing her professional skill set, Pamela completed the renowned FBI National Academy (Session 265).

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades and recognitions including the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Public Service Award, the Northeast Region Equal Employment Opportunity Office Recognition of Outstanding Excellence, and the National Council of Negro Women Award for Working Together in Unity.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Pamela actively engages in mentorship and advocates for personal and professional development. Both on and off the force, she has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting aspiring law enforcement professionals and holds membership in various esteemed organizations, such as the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Her commitment to community service extends beyond her career, as she volunteers as a youth mentor, enjoys coaching youth sports, is an active member of her church, and takes pride in her membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.