March 30, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Former SMPD Police Chief Wins Mayoral Election in Inglewood:

A former Santa Monica Police Chief has won a runoff mayoral election in Inglewood. James T. Butts Jr., Santa Monica’s former Police chief, most recently served as a deputy chief of Inglewood’s police force.

Preliminary reports indicate that Butts held his steady 56 percent of the votes over the 44 percent for incumbent Mayor Daniel K. Tabor, a former Inglewood councilmember with a long track record in public service.

Tabor was originally the favorite with his deep roots in the community. He led the list of candidates in the November primary election, however he was unable to earn enough votes to claim majority and the office outright. He has served as Mayor since August, when he won a runoff election to fill the vacated seat of former Mayor Roosevelt Dorn, who resigned amidst controversy in January. Dorn had plead guilty to conflict of interest amid allegation of corruption.

Butts left Santa Monica in 2006 to become Deputy Executive Director (assistant general manager) for Public Safety Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) where he commanded the nation’s largest airport law enforcement and security organization.

In this position he managed more than a $100 million budget and commanded the nation’s largest airport law enforcement and security organization with more than 1,200 sworn and civilian personnel. His law enforcement and security duties were performed by more than 4,000 federal and other local officers which gave him the executive figure responsible for providing safety to the 60 million passengers that annually fly through the airport.

“In terms of budget and personnel, his span of responsibility exceeded the size of the workforce and general fund budget for the entire City of Inglewood,” the Inglewood Today reported in June.

Butts was sworn in to as chief of SMPD in September of 1991 at 38 years-old, making him the youngest chief of police in Southern California at that time. He was also the first Black man to hold a rank above sergeant in the department’s history. During his 15-year tenure, the SMPD significantly reduced violent crime in the city to a 50-year low. These historic reductions all took place while citizen complaints against officers fell by more than 50 percent, annual departmental liability dropped to unprecedented lows, and workers’ compensation absences decreased dramatically. Butts was replaced by current Chief Timothy Jackman.

Before assuming the position of Santa Monica police chief in 1991, Butts served nearly 20 years in the Inglewood Police Department as a community service officer, police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief.

As SMPD’s Chief, Butts’ commitment to diversity was reflected throughout the police department, especially in the management and supervisory ranks which were consistently recognized by his peers as having created one of the most technologically advanced departments in the entire region at that time. His frequent appearances at civic events, readiness to meet with community members, and easy accessibility to Santa Monica’s service recipients by both phone and e-mail had made him a well-recognized and respected public figure in the city.

in News
Related Posts

Eight Santa Monica Police Activities League Youth Complete The Los Angeles Marathon

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Setting a new PAL record for the Los Angeles Marathon, Jade Furukawa came in at 4 hours and 50 minutes...

Bystander Injured After Man Jumps from Third Floor of Santa Monica Place in Potential Suicide Attempt

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Monday afternoon incident results in injuries to a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s. By Sam...

Clippers Center Ivica Zubac Joins Students for Medical Simulation Training

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Students gain hands-on experience with virtual reality tools, CPR training, and surgical equipment at Cedars-Sinai’s Women’s Guild Simulation Center For...

Santa Monica Hosts Active Aging Group Bike Ride for Older Adults

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Event set for Thursday, March 30, to practice safe biking skills and the rules of the road Older adults in...

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments to Implement Housing Element

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Amendments to zoning codes to support affordable housing production and streamline approval process The Santa Monica City Council has taken...

Changes Coming to Chautauqua and PCH to Address Traffic Congestion

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Two changes coming to intersection of Chautauqua and PCH in late April Residents of Pacific Palisades can expect changes to...

“Hunger Cliff” Looms as CalFresh Benefits Come to an End in Southern California

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

Local food banks urge community support as Southern Californians face heightened food insecurity Local food banks in Southern California are...

Historic Santa Monica House with Rock ‘n’ Roll Past Hits the Market for $22.5M

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

The Witbeck House, a charming and beautifully preserved 1917 property with a recording studio used by musician Jackson Browne, is...

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils New Affordable Housing Project in Pico Neighborhood

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

Brunson Terrace apartments will offer affordable housing and retail space for local businesses Community Corporation of Santa Monica has unveiled...

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Rejects Extension of Tenant Protections

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

County Board of Supervisors votes down measure affecting landlords in unincorporated areas. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted...

Santa Monica Pet Hotel Hosts Puppy-Friendly St. Patty’s Day Party

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

A new pet hotel in Santa Monica recently hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party for local dogs. Check out all...

Santa Monica Mountains Largest Ever Restoration Project Nears Completion After 7,000 Hours of Volunteer Work

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Final planting event will be held Saturday, March 25 at 9 a.m. for the park’s largest ever restoration project After...

California Appeals Court Rules Uber and Lyft Can Classify Drivers as Independent Contractors

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Proposition 22 exempted ride-share companies from certain labor laws, court rules in favor of the companies By Sam Catanzaro ​​A...

Film Review – Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

FILM REVIEWOPERATION FORTUNE: Ruse de GuerreRated R114 MinutesReleased March 3rd Now that the season of weighty Oscar contender films is...

Santa Monica Uses Innovative Water Recycling Facility to Capture and Store Rainwater

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

City’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project reducing reliance on imported water and sets a model for future projects Santa Monica has...