Chief Deputy Steve Smith was raised in Granbury and Graduated Granbury High School in 1991. Chief Smith attended Tarleton State University Police Academy and graduated in December of 1994. Chief Smith began his police career as a city police officer in Colorado City in June of 1995. He came to work at the Hood County Sheriff's Office in October of 1998. Chief Smith rose through the ranks of the Sheriff's Office until he finally achieved the rank of Chief Deputy in January of 2016. Chief Smith oversees the daily operations of the Sheriff's Office including patrol, CID, jail and animal control.

Chief Smith has a Masters peace officer license and over 3000 hours of continuing education training. He was awarded the Law Enforcement Supervisor of the year in 2006, Administrator of the year in 2010, and Employee of the year in 2013. He is also a certified firearms instructor, TCOLE instructor, and has advanced SWAT certification.