February 20, 2026 3:11 PM
by

During the week of February 1 – February 7, SMPD personnel conducted proactive enforcement, targeted traffic operations, and coordinated outreach across Downtown Santa Monica, residential neighborhoods, parks, school zones, and beach areas. Activity during this period reflected a continued emphasis on data-informed deployment, officer-initiated enforcement, and coordinated multi-unit response in high-use public spaces.

Notably, this week included a complex death investigation, multiple weapons and parole-related arrests in park and beach areas, coordinated grant-funded traffic operations, and continued preparation for the Downtown Substation.

By the Numbers: February 1-7, 2026

Year-to-date, Calls for Service total 13,829, reflecting an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. Arrests are also significantly higher, up 68% year-to-date. The Department has made 536 arrests so far this year, compared to 319 during the same timeframe in 2025.

Crime Suppression

Crime suppression efforts this week reflected a sustained emphasis on proactive, officer-initiated enforcement in high-activity corridors including Downtown Santa Monica, Palisades Park, Ocean Front Walk, and the Pico neighborhood. A significant portion of the over 100 arrests this week stemmed from warrant compliance, parole and probation violations, weapons offenses, and repeat offenders identified during directed patrol operations. Coordinated deployments between patrol, CIT, and DSU disrupted ongoing criminal activity in high-use public spaces and prevented escalation in several incidents involving weapons, domestic violence, and robbery.  DSU recorded 48 arrests and 15 citations within the downtown and beach footprint, including multiple parole violations, narcotics arrests, and weapons-related offenses in Palisades Park and along the beach corridor. The K9 Unit personnel conducted 40 periodic checks citywide and supported department training and tactical readiness exercises during the week.

Key Crime Suppression Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Death Investigation	A death investigation was initiated in the 1900 block of Ocean Avenue after officers conducted a welfare check and located two deceased individuals inside a residence. Detectives responded immediately, and the investigation remains active.
Weapons Arrest	A parolee was arrested in the 200 block of Santa Monica Blvd after officers recovered a weapon. The suspect also assaulted an officer during transport.
Domestic Violence	Officers responded to a domestic violence call ultimately placing one individual under arrest for violation of a restraining order.
Weapons and Warrant Arrests	Multiple individuals were arrested in the Downtown area for violation of parole or probation, outstanding warrants for narcotics and possessing illegal weapons.

Traffic Enforcement

Traffic enforcement operations remained strategic and complaint-driven, with concentrated deployment in school zones, Downtown Santa Monica, Pacific Coast Highway, and other high-visibility corridors. Enforcement activity combined grant-funded operations with daily patrol traffic stops to address distracted driving, right-of-way violations, DUI enforcement, and hazardous driving behaviors resulting in over 262 citations. Traffic supervisors also continued coordination with regional and federal partners on collision investigations and Vision Zero initiatives.

 

Notable Traffic Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Distracted Driving	During two focused distracted driving operations, officers issued 24 citations with 19 of them being for cell phone violations.
DUI Arrest	Officers contacted a driver who was asleep behind the wheel. When awakened, the driver accelerated and struck the rear of the patrol vehicle. The driver was arrested for DUI. No injuries were reported.

Homelessness Response

Homelessness response efforts balanced outreach, mental health coordination, and municipal code enforcement across parks, freeway underpasses, Downtown, and beach areas. Directed deployments focused on repeat encampment locations and individuals with prior advisals, while Department of Mental Health partners conducted evaluations and facilitated hospitalizations when appropriate. Enforcement actions this week primarily involved parole violations, court order violations, narcotics possession, and repeat public camping cases following documented outreach attempts.

HLP conducted 66 radio calls and 43 self-initiated activities during the reporting period. The team addressed six encampments and made eight arrests, primarily involving parole violations, municipal code violations, narcotics possession, and repeat public camping.

HLP Team Stats:

Key Homeless Response Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Warrant Arrest	Officers contacted a subject for sleeping on the sidewalk in the 1900 block of Main St. The subject was found to have a No-Bail warrant for Parole Violation. He was arrested without incident and transported to LA County Jail.
Narcotics Arrest	Officers contacted a subject on the 3300 Block of 7th Street for public camping, obstructing a public sidewalk. While detained the subject was found concealing a meth pipe in the sleeve of his jacket. The subject was arrested for Santa Monica Municipal code violations and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Directed Deployment	Personnel responded to Virginia, Reed, Tongva and Palisades Parks where they contacted 24 individuals resulting in 11 citations, 4 advisals and 2 referrals to SamoBridge.
Encampment Removal	Officers observed multiple encampments in the underpass of the I-10 freeway and Lincoln Blvd. In this particular location the officers had given advisals and citations in prior incidents. One of the same subjects was still present. Both subjects were identified and arrested for the Santa Monica Municipal Code for Public Camping. Santa Monica HoST cleaned the area.

Community & Youth Engagement

Community engagement efforts this week emphasized transparency, partnership, and long-term problem solving. Neighborhood meetings, business outreach, and youth engagement initiatives provided direct dialogue with residents and stakeholders while reinforcing public safety messaging. Concurrently, operational planning continued for the Downtown Substation, positioning SMPD to enhance accessibility and visible presence in the city’s commercial core. Specialized units, including K9, supported both enforcement and community-facing initiatives.

 

Notable Events:

	Description
Community Meetings	Officers attended multiple neighborhood meetings, including Northeast Neighbors, Wilmont Neighborhood Watch, Friends of Sunset Park, and Pico Improvement Organization, providing crime updates and addressing quality-of-life concerns.

 

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