Roger Smith

Executive Director

A proud graduate of Bayonne High School, Roger earned a B.A. (History) and M.A. (Journalism) at the University of Maryland, College Park before obtaining a law degree from the University of Southern California. Shortly thereafter, he worked for four years as an Assistant District Attorney at the New York County District Attorney’s Office and later as an Agency Attorney in the Trials and Litigation Division of the New York City Department of Correction.

Before becoming the Executive Director of the San Diego Office of the Commission on Police Practices in January 2026, Roger had worked as an executive civilian oversight practitioner for more than 16 years. During his career, he has served as Executive Agency Counsel and Director of Training at the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (9 years), Administrator for the Cleveland Office of Professional Standards (3 years), Founding Director of the Phoenix Office of Accountability and Transparency (2 years) and Chief of Special Investigations and Training for the Oakland Community Police Review Agency (1 year).

An avid follower of music, movies, chess, politics, sports and current events,  Roger looks forward to sharing in the work of building stronger civilian oversight of police for the San Diego community.

Contact: RogerS@sandiego.gov or 619-215-3254.