June 17, 2026 2:41 PM
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Police Department Weekly Update

From May 31–June 6, SMPD responded to 2,652 calls for service, made 98 arrests, and maintained a proactive field posture, with officer-initiated activity accounting for more than half of all responses.

This week’s enforcement activity included arrests related to arson, weapons possession, DUI, domestic violence, narcotics, stolen vehicles, warrants, and other offenses. Specialized units coordinated across patrol, traffic, harbor, downtown, K9, and investigative operations to address activity in key corridors and public spaces.

Beyond enforcement, personnel remained highly visible at the beach, pier, parks, schools, and community events, reinforcing the relationships and day-to-day presence that support long-term neighborhood safety.

By the Numbers: May 31-June 6, 2026

This week’s activity reflects a continued proactive field posture. Calls for service increased slightly from the prior week, while officer-initiated activity rose to 53% of all responses. Arrest activity remained consistent, with 98 arrests this period, and year-to-date arrests remain significantly above the same point last year.

Crime Suppression

SMPD personnel continued targeted enforcement across downtown, the beach area, parks, major corridors, and residential neighborhoods. Several incidents required strong coordination between patrol, DSU, CIT, K9, Harbor Patrol, the SMART Center, and investigative personnel.

Key Crime Suppression Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Arson Arrest 2500 block of Main Street	Officers responded to a shopping cart fire near a business. The cart contained cardboard and was positioned near a tree. Officers located the suspect, who was arrested for arson.
Forgery, Identity Theft, and Narcotics Arrest Ocean Ave/Broadway	A traffic stop led to the arrest of a driver with an outstanding forgery warrant. During an inventory search, officers recovered ketamine and approximately 30 forged documents, including driver’s licenses and social security cards.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Civic Auditorium Parking Lot	SMART Center resources assisted in locating a recently stolen vehicle. DSU, CIT, and drone resources coordinated a response, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Domestic Violence	DSU officers responded to a domestic violence incident in a parking lot. The investigation indicated the suspect placed the victim in a chokehold during a dispute. The suspect was arrested.
Threats / Failure to Register Arrest Ocean Front Walk	Officers responded to reports of a subject threatening others and gesturing as if armed. The investigation resulted in an arrest for criminal threats and sex registration violations.

Traffic Enforcement

Traffic enforcement remained focused on collision prevention, DUI enforcement, motorcycle safety, Lincoln Boulevard, PCH, Downtown Santa Monica, and citywide complaint locations.

 

May 31- June 6, 2026
Traffic Stops	Citations	Advisals
316	188	123

 

  Notable Traffic Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle	Motor officers stopped an off-highway motorcycle rider who was not wearing a helmet and did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement. The OHMV was towed.
Concealed Loaded Firearm Arrest 00 block of Bay Street	Officers conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations. A consent search led to the recovery of a concealed loaded firearm inside the vehicle.
Parole Violation / Narcotics for Sale 1550 Beach Lot	Officers contacted a parolee during a vehicle-related investigation. A parole search resulted in the recovery of narcotics and cannabis packaged for sale.
(2) DUI Arrests	Traffic officers identified two drivers on separate occasions driving under the influence of drugs. Both  drivers were arrested.

Homelessness Response

SMPD’s Homeless Liaison Program continued its dual focus on outreach and accountability. One notable outcome involved a subject who had been repeatedly contacted while sleeping behind a Berkeley Street property and had previously declined services. With continued engagement from HLP and support from the assigned Department of Mental Health clinician, the subject accepted housing assistance.

HLP Team Stats:

May 31- June 6, 2026
Radio Calls	SAMO Bridge Referrals	HLP Self-Initiated Activity	Citations	Total Arrests	Encampments
231	4	156	43	20	6

 

Key Homeless Response Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Drug Arrest 1800 block of Lincoln Boulevard	HLP contacted a subject violating a stay-away order. Officers located a BB gun and methamphetamine during the search incident to arrest.
Parole Arrest 1300 block 5th Street	Officers contacted a trespassing subject and determined he was on parole for carjacking and robbery with a no-bail parole violation warrant out of Ventura County.
Consular Services Coordination	HLP supervision participated in a meeting with the City Attorney’s Office, Downtown Santa Monica, Block by Block, and several foreign consulates to discuss services for foreign nationals experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica.

Community & Youth Engagement

Community engagement this week included youth outreach, public safety presence in parks and beach areas, animal welfare response, school-based programming, and support for public-facing events. Personnel continued to use routine patrol and special assignments as opportunities to connect with residents, students, visitors, businesses, and partner agencies.

 

Animal Control, Harbor, patrol officers, and K9 personnel all contributed to engagement efforts that supported public safety, education, and responsiveness across the city.

 

Virginia Park Youth Engagement	B-Watch officers coordinated with Neighborhood Resource Officers for community and youth  engagement at Virginia Park.
Olympic High School Career Exploration	Animal Control participated in Olympic High School’s Career Exploration Series, highlighting animal welfare and public safety career paths.
Sidewalk CPR on the Pier	Harbor Safety Officers participated in Sidewalk CPR on the pier alongside Santa Monica Fire Department personnel.

Photo Summary

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