The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - December 7-14, 2025
December 28, 2025 7:03 PM
by
To WATCH the Blue Notebook Review, visit https://youtu.be/JKoEqK33gTY
This
update summarizes Santa Monica Police Department operational activity for the
week of December 7 through December 13. During this period, Patrol and
specialized units conducted citywide enforcement, proactive patrols, and
directed deployments in response to serious crimes, traffic safety concerns,
homelessness-related issues, organized retail theft and quality-of-life
impacts. As part of the Department’s holiday deployment strategy, additional
high-visibility patrols and targeted operations were implemented in key
commercial areas, parks, and visitor corridors while maintaining citywide
service coverage.
December
7th – December 13th : By the Numbers
· 118,508
Calls for Service Year to Date (down 4.1% from last year)
· 3,236
Arrests YTD (up 21.2% over last year to date)
Crime Suppression
SMPD
officers responded to several serious and complex incidents this week,
including a homicide, armed robberies, felony assaults, and significant
enforcement activity in the downtown and Wilshire Corridor areas. Patrol,
specialized units, and investigators worked collaboratively to ensure swift
arrests, scene security, and follow-up investigations. Personnel also
coordinated a BBB safety operation where officers deployed across the city to
focus on bus stop violations supporting and connecting with over 50 Motor Coach
Operators.
Key
Crime Suppression Incidents:
|
Incident Type |
Description |
|
|
||
|
Organized Retail Theft
Arrests & Investigation |
During an
Organized Retail Theft (ORT) operation in Downtown, supported by the SMART
Center, officers and detectives made significant enforcement actions,
including 8 felony arrests, 2 misdemeanor arrests, 9 pedestrian stops, and
3 traffic stops. Following intelligence on potential ORT activity at
Lululemon officers recovered approximately $7,000 in stolen merchandise. The
investigation revealed the suspects targeted Lululemon and Alo locations in
Santa Monica and Century City and had traveled through multiple states
committing similar thefts. The Investigation remains ongoing. |
|
|
Armed Robbery 1555 2nd Street
(parking structure) |
A suspect
brandished a handgun and robbed a victim of jewelry before fleeing in a vehicle.
Incident was captured on security cameras. Investigation ongoing. |
|
|
Robbery Tongva Park |
A Downtown
Ambassador was robbed of her cell phone while cleaning park restrooms. The
suspect swung a metal chain during the incident and was arrested at the
scene. |
|
|
Loaded Firearm Arrest Lot 1 North |
Officers
conducted a traffic stop and recovered a loaded firearm with an extended
magazine from a previously convicted felon. The suspect was arrested. |
Traffic Enforcement
Traffic
enforcement and education remained a priority, particularly in high-collision
and high-pedestrian areas. Officers conducted targeted enforcement operations
and routine patrol activity across all watches.
A
Downtown Traffic Safety and Education High Visibility Operation was conducted,
involving multiple watches and specialized units. Officers also deployed
additional traffic cars throughout the week, focusing on speed, impaired
driving, and equipment violations.
Traffic Enforcement Data
Notable
Traffic Incidents:
|
Incident Type |
Description |
|
Collision Wilshire & 10th
Street |
A pedestrian
was struck in a marked crosswalk and sustained moderate injuries. Driver
remained on scene and impairment was ruled out. |
|
A speeding
vehicle struck a commercial building, causing driver significant structural
damage and minor injuries to the driver who was found to be impaired at the
time of the incident. Charges are pending. |
|
|
DUI Ocean & Colorado |
Officers
stopped a vehicle traveling at excessive speed and arrested a 19-year-old
driver for DUI and cocaine possession. |
Homelessness Response
Homelessness-related
calls accounted for 585 CFS citywide this week (22% of all calls).
Officers from
Patrol, the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP), DART, PSOs, and CIT conducted
coordinated enforcement, outreach, and service referrals throughout the city.
Efforts focused on encampment resolution, public safety concerns, and
connecting individuals with services.
Key
Homeless Response Incidents:
|
Incident Type |
Description |
|
Foot Patrol |
During foot
patrols in Palisades Park, officers located and arrested an individual with
an outstanding arrest warrant. |
|
Urinating In Public Arrest |
A subject in
front of the Salvation Army was arrested for urinating in public. |
|
Significant Clean Up Effort |
In coordination
with HoST, personnel identified and removed multiple abandoned encampments
and associated bulk property. |
Community & Youth Engagement
Community
engagement remained strong during a busy holiday period. Officers and civilian
staff participated in numerous citywide events, youth programs, and
neighborhood meetings, strengthening relationships with residents, businesses,
and partner agencies.
|
Event / Engagement |
Impact / Focus |
|
Multiple PAL Events |
Supporting the Police Activities League remains a
priority with personnel joining the PAL family for their Wrap Party and
Santa’s Workshop where officers and the youth enjoyed holiday festivities. |
|
Internal Celebrations |
From the PSF Tree Lighting to the City Hall-i-day
gathering, personnel participated and supported events aimed to bringing a
touch of the holidays into the workplace. |
|
Business Meetings |
Following the Downtown Business Meeting, personnel met
with a business owner on Santa Monica Blvd regarding homeless related
concerns. |
|
Main Street Tree Lighting & VAP Holiday Market & 150th
Anniversary Event |
Personnel supported Citywide activities by tabling at
and attending events across multiple Beats. |
|
Neighborhood Meetings |
NROs provided safety updates at the Pico Neighborhood
Association. |
|
Harbor Patrol |
Daily high-visibility patrols along Ocean Front Walk
and support to City partners. |