Supt Smith started in the role last week, replacing Supt Evan Quarmby who relocated to head up the Wollongong command last month.
Supt Smith joined the NSW Police Force in 1987 and was initially stationed in Albury performing general duties.
His career in general duties flowed downstream on the Murray to Mulwala and then Dareton, before he made a move into criminal investigations in Hay and Deniliquin.
In 2004 Supt Smith was promoted to Inspector at Broken Hill, before taking on the crime manager role at Barrier Local Area Command.
He transferred to Griffith Local Area Command in 2009, where he conducted crime manager duties along the Murrumbidgee for six years.
During this time, the command was involved in numerous organised crime investigations, including the disruption of the drug trade with the seizure of several large commercial cannabis crops, some hidden among the vineyards.
In 2005 Supt Smith was appointed as commander of the Barrier Local Area Command. It was in Barrier that Supt Smith was exposed to cross-border policing across three states; Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
‘‘By working with the vision of ‘no borders’, we made some major achievements in emergency management, road safety, interstate drug trafficking and general community safety,’’ he said.
Supt Smith is no stranger to the Murray River Police District, having started his policing career in Albury 32 years ago.
‘‘I have friends and family across the district and in some respects consider this move as returning home.
‘‘I look forward to police, community and government working together for safer communities across the Murray River Police District.’’