The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - January 25-31, 2026

February 11, 2026 10:05 AM
by

Throughout the week, SMPD officers and specialized units conducted proactive enforcement and investigative operations resulting in over 100 felony and misdemeanor arrests, many stemming from warrant enforcement, parole and probation violations, and directed enforcement. A significant portion of enforcement activity originated from data-informed officer-initiated contacts, reinforcing a proactive approach rather than reactive, call-driven policing.

By the Numbers: January 2026

Crime Suppression

Crime Impact Team, Downtown Services Unit, K9, and patrol personnel coordinated on several directed operations, including organized retail theft suppression in Downtown Santa Monica, in addition to burglary and crime suppression along the Pico and Lincoln corridors. Daily patrols coupled with these operations led to over 100 arrests with some involving outstanding felony warrants, narcotics possession, stolen vehicles, and weapons-related offenses. Several incidents involving firearms, knives, and assaults were contained quickly through coordinated response, preventing escalation.

Downtown, beach, pier, and park areas continued to generate enforcement activity across multiple units, reflecting their role as high-use, multi-purpose public spaces.

Key Crime Suppression Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Weapons/ Warrant Arrest	Patrol officers observed a suspect carrying a knife and a bat wrapped in barbed wire. Using SMART Center resources, it was discovered that the individual had an outstanding warrant for $60,000 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He was arrested.
Downtown Retail Theft Arrests	Crime Impact Team, Downtown Services Unit, and CID coordinated an organized retail theft operation in Downtown Santa Monica, resulting in six arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise tied to repeat retail theft activity.
1400 block of Santa Monica Blvd	A suspect armed with a firearm was taken into custody following a disturbance at a Downtown business. The investigation revealed the suspect had assaulted two victims, including an elderly individual. A firearm was recovered. The victims were treated and released.
Santa Monica High School Unfounded Bomb Threat	Officers responded to a bomb threat at Santa Monica High School after a threatening voicemail was received overnight. The campus was searched using K9 resources, patrol search teams, and SMART Center support. No devices were located, and the incident was resolved without injury. Calls resumed on schedule.

Traffic Enforcement

Traffic enforcement efforts during the week were strategic and highly targeted, with a focus on school zones, Downtown Santa Monica, PCH, and high-complaint corridors. Patrol watches and the Traffic Enforcement Section conducted citywide operations resulting in numerous traffic stops, citations, advisals, and arrests, including DUI and drug-related arrests.

Grant-funded operations included DUI saturation patrols, distracted driving enforcement, and focused traffic safety operations, Motor officers also provided field support to patrol units, responding to collisions, assisting with enforcement, and supporting public safety operations as needed.

In addition to enforcement activity, the Traffic Section coordinated with state and federal partners regarding a high-profile traffic collision involving an autonomous vehicle that has drawn external agency review.

Notable Traffic Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Distracted Driving	Officers conducted distracted driving operations, resulting in 46 citations with 39 for cell phone violations.
Autonomous Vehicle Collision Investigation	The Traffic Enforcement Section coordinated with state and federal agencies following a serious traffic collision that has drawn national attention. External agencies initiated independent reviews, and SMPD continues to assist with investigative coordination.
DUI Saturation	DUI Saturation Patrol was conducted throughout the City resulting in 22 traffic stops and 2 drug arrests. In addition, 1 driver was cited for driving without a valid license.

Homelessness Response

During the reporting period, HLP officers and partners conducted over 100 field contacts, issued 30 citations, and arrested 13 individuals, with several cases involving narcotics possession, outstanding warrants, and assaults. They assisted with 10 mental health evaluations and 8 hospitalizations were completed. Multiple service referrals were offered, leading to a successful placement into a detoxification program following coordinated outreach and medical evaluation.

Key Homeless Response Incidents:

Incident Type	Description
Narcotics Suppression	HLP officers arrested multiple individuals in city parks for narcotics possession, outstanding warrants, and quality-of-life violations following proactive contacts.
Mental Health Evaluation	Officers responded to an assault in front of City Hall involving a subject experiencing mental health challenges. The individual was identified, evaluated by a Department of Mental Health clinician, and arrested.
Encampment Removal	Officers assisted Public Works and contracted partners with encampment cleanups along the bluffs and in park areas, offering resources and services to affected individuals prior to enforcement action.
1100 block of Alley 13	HLP officers and DMH partners successfully coordinated medical evaluation and placement into an inpatient detoxification program for a chronically intoxicated individual who requested assistance after repeated emergency medical contacts.

Community & Youth Engagement

Officers engaged local youth during St. Anne’s School Career Day, discussing careers in law enforcement and sharing safety messaging through open dialogue and education. Neighborhood Resource Officers also filmed an updated edition of the Blue Notebook to support transparent communication and keep the community informed about public safety efforts.

Notable Events:

	Description
Quality of Life Concerns	NROs addressed quality-of-life concerns in residential and commercial areas, including coordinating the removal of abandoned property in the 900 block of Montana Avenue that was attracting loitering and alcohol use. Officers also responded to ongoing neighborhood concerns in the 1300 block of California Avenue and are coordinating follow-up with the Homeless Liaison Program to pursue longer-term solutions.
Upcoming Outreach Events	· K9 Visit to Will Rogers Elementary · Grant Elementary Animal Shelter Presentation · Main Street Farmer’s Market Pop Up Coffee with a Cop

Description

Quality of Life Concerns

NROs addressed quality-of-life concerns in residential and commercial areas, including coordinating the removal of abandoned property in the 900 block of Montana Avenue that was attracting loitering and alcohol use. Officers also responded to ongoing neighborhood concerns in the 1300 block of California Avenue and are coordinating follow-up with the Homeless Liaison Program to pursue longer-term solutions.

Upcoming Outreach Events

· K9 Visit to Will Rogers Elementary

· Grant Elementary Animal Shelter Presentation

· Main Street Farmer’s Market Pop Up Coffee with a Cop