After over three decades in the criminal justice profession, Concord Police Chief and UNC Charlotte alumnus Guy Smith retired on March 1, 2015.
“Once I got into law enforcement, that was it, I never thought about leaving,” Smith said. “It’s been a very good career for me and I feel very fortunate and blessed to be where I am today. Growing up in and working for the City of Concord, I wouldn’t have changed anything that I did.”
Smith graduated from UNC Charlotte in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Undecided until his sophomore year, he became interested in the criminal justice field as he learned more about its impact on the community.
“Probation, parole, prison and law enforcement all started appealing to me,” Smith said. “My experiences at UNC Charlotte helped me learn criminal justice was my niche and that it was the direction I wanted to continue.”
Career Grows Over the Years
Smith began his career with the Concord Police Department as a patrol officer in 1982, spending much of his next five years as a field training officer. He was promoted to detective in 1987 and assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division. In 1992, Smith became Lieutenant, supervising all criminal investigations, vice narcotic operations, and the daily activities of the evidence and property control.
He later served as Captain over Support Services; Major over Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, and Support Services; and as Deputy Chief from 2001-2011. He was named the interim Chief of Police from 2000-2001 and from April through September of 2011 before being officially promoted to Chief on October 3, 2011.
“Chief Smith’s commitment to the City of Concord and the Concord Police Department has been exemplary,” said City Manager Brian Hiatt. “He developed leadership skills in the community where he grew up, and to which he devoted his entire career. He has worked hard to make sure Concord continues to be a great place to live and do business during a period of significant growth, and has been a steady force in keeping our City safe.”
One major change since he joined the force in 1982 is the city’s growth, Smith said. “When I was hired, we had 41 officers and a population of under 17,000 people,” he said. “Now I’ve got 170 officers with a population of over 83,000. The workload has increased, and there is a lot changing in our nation today. But it’s been the best career for me.”
For his outstanding contributions to the law enforcement profession, Smith received the Robert J. Eury Memorial Award in 2004.
Studies Lead to Well-Rounded Professional
His UNC Charlotte courses helped him become well rounded, Smith said. In his work with people and communities, he has drawn upon his knowledge from the criminal justice classes and from courses including psychology and sociology.
“Have fun but be conscious of your decisions because they can affect you when getting a job down the line,” Smith said he would advise today’s students. “Becoming fluent in Spanish and literate with computers gives you a solid background that will help you in most fields.”
After earning his degree from UNC Charlotte, Smith continued his education in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the North Carolina Justice Academy Management Development Program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Carolina Command College, and the Cabarrus Regional Leadership Experience.
Smith has remained involved in youth and community organizations. Over the years, he has worked closely with Concord High School, the Cabarrus County Boys and Girls Club, Rock Grove United Methodist Church, Hartsell Athletic Association, Concord Athletic Youth Association, Cabarrus County Human Relations Council, and the Cabarrus Regional Leadership Experience.
With retirement, Smith will continue his community engagement, and he looks forward to coaching T-ball. In addition, he plans to tend to his farm in Rowan County and stay involved with UNC Charlotte through the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department and cheering on the university’s athletic teams.
Words and image: Tyler Harris, CLAS Student Communications Assistant
