Meet Philip Smith, Chief, Evansville Police Department
Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee
Age: 40
Family: Wife Jackie; children Jasmyn, 15, and Bryson, 13
Education: Bachelor of Science in Radio/TV Broadcasting, University of Southern Indiana
Police Chief Salary: $126,769
I was not traditionally a target for the police department, but I … fit the mold.”
Whether he’s leading an Evansville Police Department press conference or mugging for the camera while escorting children to Disney World, Philip Smith seems at ease with life in a police uniform. But, as discussed in the June/July 2024 issue of Evansville Business, even he was surprised by how wearing a badge was different from his expectations.
“I thought policing was everything that I saw on television, high-speed chases, etc. Police get that rap from on television, in Hollywood,” Smith says. “But in reality, what it was for me was an opportunity to talk to people and help people through issues, some big and some mundane, but it’s always a big issue to the person calling you. I saw that part of it, and thought, I can do that.”
Named EPD’s chief by Mayor Stephanie Terry in January 2024, Smith was a natural fit after serving more than three years as deputy to former chief Billy Bolin. That experience was crucial to shaping his leadership style.
“I’m very intentional, not only with rank-and-file and my commanders, but even the Fraternal Order of Police leadership. If I make a decision, I’m big enough to say, ‘This is why I made the decision. I respect you enough to tell you why I made the decision,’” Smith says. “I think that goes a long way in keeping relationships tolerable … Even if someone doesn’t agree with your decision, they can at least sit back and say, ‘Well, at least he told me why.’”
Already a steady presence at community events like Coffee With A Cop, Smith plans to stay visible even more now that he is chief.
“I’m big on being present … being in my uniform so that if my guys have to wear it, I’m going to wear it as well. Letting them know that I’m not just the chief of police,” he says. “I don’t think ordering people to do anything is a way to run this organization. Tell me what you think, and I’ll be a resource for you. I’ll help get things accomplished with my position.”
What To Know About The Evansville Police Department
Like other law enforcement agencies around the country, EPD has struggled to recruit enough new personnel to replace the career officers reaching retirement. Exacerbating the problem is that retention rates for new officers also are not consistent.
“Right now I’m really focused on the retention aspect, keeping the people I have, and making sure they enjoy coming to work because they are my biggest billboard. They’re my biggest point of advertisement. If they like their jobs and they go out there in a uniform and represent this agency, they’re going to tell people about it,” Philip Smith says.
