Undersheriff Roy Smith has some advice he likes to offer to new deputies.
When you’re driving around and you see someone outside — perhaps working in the yard or checking the mail — stop and talk to them.
“You build a rapport,” he said. “One thing I try to stress to the young deputies, you work for the citizens. And I’ve really enjoyed working with the citizens of Allen County.”
Smith hopes to leave that legacy behind as he retires Friday after 35 years of working in law enforcement. A reception is planned from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday in the assembly room in the basement of the Allen County Courthouse.
Smith’s father inspired his interest in law enforcement. He was a merchant police officer in McPherson, which Smith explained in a previous article was “more like being a night watchman. He walked the main street each night.”
During Smith’s own career, he kept a shadow box hanging on a wall in his office with his dad’s hat, badge and night stick.
Smith grew up north of Emporia and graduated from Northern Heights. He earned an associates degree from Allen Community College and attended Emporia State University, before deciding against teaching as a career.
He joined the Council Grove Police Department in in 1987, then joined the Neosho County Sheriff’s Department in 1989.
He was working in Neosho County in 1997 when he had the opportunity to meet John Walsh from “America’s Most Wanted.” Smith shared the story of a deputy who had been attacked; the suspect was apprehended in Colorado.
“That’s a good highlight,” Smith recalled. “There’s just so many.”
SMITH joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Department in 2001.
Since then he’s worked for three sheriffs and was promoted to captain before being named undersheriff in 2013.
About 10 years ago, he was asked to be part of the new Drug Court program.
“At first I was reluctant, but as I look back I’m glad I did. It changed my perspective,” he said. “I understand more about addiction. Before my theory was just throw them in jail and keep them locked up.”
Now, he understands the situation is much more complicated. The misuse of various types of drugs also has changed over the years, which creates new challenges for officers and the courts.
“I have a new understanding about what addicts are going through, why they choose to get high and how. Not just that, but what drugs do to their body and their mind.”
