Stephen Stepp began his law enforcement career in 1978 at the North Miami Police Department. During his career he has worked in all facets of law enforcement and has commanded numerous bureaus and task forces dealing with violent crimes, narcotics, and money laundering. He ascended to the rank of Assistant Chief with that agency before retiring in 2003. Chief Stepp was appointed as Chief of Police of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department in March of 2003.

Chief Stepp earned a Master of Science Degree in Management with dual specializations in Human Resource Development and Public Management from St. Thomas University in 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 190th Session, the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, 25th Session, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, 51st Session. He has attended over 100 training courses on a variety of topics during his law enforcement career.

Chief Stepp served in the U.S. Army Reserves in an Airborne Special Forces Unit prior to his law enforcement career. He is certified as an instructor in numerous law enforcement disciplines and was an adjunct professor in Criminal Justice. Chief Stepp has actively participated in numerous community and civic associations and has coached many youth sports teams. He currently serves as Secretary of the Palm Beach County Police Chief's Association and is the Chair of the Northern Area Mutual Aid Consortium, which is comprised of all law enforcement entities in northern Palm Beach County.

Chief Stepp is married and has three adult sons.