My name is Joe Smith, and I was recently named Deptford Township Chief of Police. I was born in Philadelphia and moved to Deptford when I was seven years old. I was raised in the Bexhill Farms section of the Township, where my parents still reside. I attended both Good Intent Elementary school and Most Holy Redeemer. I played for Deptford Little League until I was 15 years old, where I played for Coach Joe Smith Sr., my father, like many other Deptford residents did. I also played Deptford Midget football and Deptford soccer. I was an altar server at MHR and played basketball for MHR as well.
I attended Gloucester Catholic High School, where I played baseball and basketball. I attended Rowan University in Glassboro, where I graduated with a BA in Law/Justice. While attending college, I served as a head coach with the Deptford Twp Basketball Association and was a swim instructor and lifeguard at the YMCA as well. I always enjoyed having a mentoring role.
After graduating, I worked as a security supervisor in an Atlantic City Casino/Hotel. Prior to beginning my career with the Deptford Township Police Department, I worked for the NJ Department of Corrections as a senior correctional officer.
In 2001, I was hired by the Deptford Township Police Department, where I served as a Patrol Officer. In 2009, I was promoted to the position of Sergeant, where I continued to serve in the Patrol Division. In 2015, I was promoted to the position of Lieutenant, where I served as Patrol Commander. In 2020, I was promoted to the position of captain, where I became the Operations Commander of the Police Department.
I have advanced training in the areas of Internal Affairs, sex crimes, missing person investigation, mental ill subjects and public management, to list a few. I enjoy interacting with the public and place the highest emphasis on public safety.
I have an excellent support system including my lovely wife, Kathy, and beautiful daughters, Danielle and Ashley, who are always there to support me, which I am very thankful for.
I would like to thank the Mayor, Paul Medany, Township Council and Township Manger, Tom Newman, for putting their confidence in me to perform the position of Police Chief.
Lastly, it is my pleasure to serve with the great officers of this department, both past and present, and to serve such a great community.
