Oceanside

Oceanside officials announced the appointment Tuesday of a new police chief, Robert B. Smith, a 23-year department employee who is now the commander in charge of investigations.

Smith, 58, will replace Laurence Marshall, who will retire later this month.

The City Council decided in January to appoint a new chief from within the department as part of the city’s effort to maintain the “continuity and cohesiveness” of the Oceanside Police Department, City Manager Suzanne Foucault said. There are about 125 sworn officers in the department.

Smith was one of two candidates nominated for the job. Marshall announced Nov. 26 that he would retire, city spokeswoman Janet Martin said. Marshall has been police chief for five years.

One of Smith’s first assignments will be to work with Marshall for the remainder of this month on a proposed police budget for the coming fiscal year.

Smith started his career with the department as a beat policeman in 1964 and worked his way through the ranks, being named its first commander last year.

Smith also has a state teaching credential in police science, and he attended the FBI academy for police officers for three months.

As chief, his annual salary will be $56,000. As commander of investigations, Smith was making $48,000.