The Chief’s Office
Dedicated to Excellence .. People Serving People
The Panama City Police Department is led by an experienced and dedicated leadership team committed to community safety and professional excellence. Chief Mark Smith brings over 20 years of law enforcement expertise, emphasizing innovation and community engagement. Supporting the Chief, Deputy Chief John Moore ensures operational efficiency and oversees critical departmental initiatives, fostering collaboration across all divisions to serve the citizens of Panama City with integrity and accountability.
Meet The Chief
Chief Mark Smith began his career with the Panama City Police Department in April 2004, after retiring from the Panama City Beach Police Department. He has worked in various sections of the department serving in Field Services and Criminal Investigations. Working through the ranks of the agency serving in all aspects of supervisory capacity to the current position of Chief of Police.
Chief Smith obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 1986 from Florida State University and has a Master’s in Law Enforcement Intelligence. He serves as an adjunct instructor for Florida State University and Gulf Coast State College.
Meet The Deputy Chief
Deputy Chief John Moore was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Panama City in 2001 while serving in the United States Air Force. He served on active duty as a member of the Security Forces (Military Police) from 1997 – 2007 and has served in the Air Force Reserve since.
Deputy Chief Moore began his civilian law enforcement career as a reserve officer with the Panama City Police Department in 2003 and became a full-time officer in 2007. He served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Community Services Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, Patrol Captain, and now serves as the Deputy Chief of all divisions in the department.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice and a Master’s Degree in management, both from Troy University. He also graduated from the 269th session of the FBI National Academy in 2017.