One of our own, Laurie Smith, has assumed her duties as Sheriff of the fourth largest county in the state. She commands 443 sworn officers and 120 support staff. Laurie was elected to office in a landslide victory in 1998. She has become the 28th Sheriff of Santa Clara County whose departmental history dates back to the mid 1800's.

Laurie started with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in late 1973 as a Deputy Sheriff-Matron. In 1975, the Deputy Sheriff-Matrons were reclassified to Deputy Sheriffs and soon after she was assigned to O.C.C.I.S., the county's special organized crime unit. In 1990 Laurie was appointed to the position of Assistant Sheriff.

Sheriff Smith is well qualified to hold the position of Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the County. Her education includes: San Jose State University-B.A. administration of Justice, Cal Poly, Pomona -Masters in Management, State of California Command College, and F.B.I. National Academy.

Laurie is married to Brannan Smith who is retired from the San Jose Police Department. She has one child, Shannon, age 16.

Congratulations Sheriff Smith We're proud of you. You are a role model for all women in law enforcement!