Waskom Police

Chief Larry Smith was appointed Chief in April, 2024, and is the first African-American to serve in this position in the department’s history. Prior to coming to Waskom, Chief Smith started his career with the Jefferson Police Department before joining the Marshall Police Department where he served for 22 years before retiring. He also served with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department for two years.

In Marshall, in addition to working Patrol and Criminal Investigation Division, he served as patrol sergeant and sergeant in criminal investigation over property/white collar crimes. During Chief Smith tenure, he was part of implementing several policies, procedures, and initiatives helping to reduce crime and build community trust. Chief Smith also served as the coordinator of the Marshall/Harrison County Crime Stoppers, and he was a two-term president of the Marshall Police Officer’s Association.

Chief Smith has a Bachelor Degree of Science from Wiley University and a Master Degree of Arts from Columbia Southern University in Criminal Justice Administration. Chief Smith places tremendous value on public safety and community engagement. He understands that it is a shared responsibility with the community and that police cannot do it alone. He is committed to making Waskom one of the safest cities in East Texas.