New officer sworn in to Paso Robles Police Department 

Allan Hancock Police Academy graduate and former Community Services Officer, sworn in as police officer

New police officer Maeghan Smallwood.

–On Thursday, June 9, members of the Paso Robles Police Department attended the graduation of Maeghan Smallwood from the Allan Hancock Police Academy. Smallwood is the newest police officer to join the Paso Robles Police Department and was sworn in by City Manager Tom Frutchey on Friday, June 10.

The swearing in ceremony was attended by Smallwood’s family, city staff, members of the Paso Robles Police Department and Mayor Steve Martin. Paso Robles Police Chief Robert Burton gave a detailed background of Smallwood’s path which led to her new position, achieved by hard work and an “I can do it” positive attitude.

Smallwood was born and raised in North San Luis Obispo County. She attended Atascadero High School and Cuesta College. In 2012, she became interested in law enforcement and was hired by the Morro Bay Police Department as a Public Safety Dispatcher. Within a few years, Smallwood decided that she wanted to expand her law enforcement experience and applied for the Paso Robles Police Department Community Service Officer position.

In 2014, Smallwood was hired and became the city’s first Community Service Officer. Smallwood quickly impressed her supervisors and co-workers with her great work ethic and desire to assist both the officers and community members.