The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness
The City of Santa Monica is alleging significant progress in public safety for 2024, according to its recently released annual crime report by the Santa Monica Police Department. Issued on June 11, 2025, the report claims a 2% drop in serious Part I crimes, totaling 4,840 incidents, down from 4,917 in 2023, despite challenges like homelessness and staffing shortages.
The SMPD reports a record 128,820 calls for service in 2024, a 25% increase from the prior year, with officer-initiated calls soaring 96% to 51,616, reflecting heightened patrol activity. Homelessness-related calls rose 26% to nearly 24,000, comprising 19% of total calls. Notable crime trends include a 25% decrease in robberies, a 16% drop in auto theft, and a 17% rise in residential burglaries, with larceny/theft remaining the most reported offense at approximately 3,000 cases. Homicides increased from one to six, often linked to knife-related aggravated assaults and homelessness issues.
The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness.
In May 2024, SMPD adopted the Versaterm Records Management System and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), enhancing data accuracy and analysis, with public crime dashboards slated for June 2025. Arrests rose 3%, with 60% involving unhoused individuals, while the Crime Impact Team made 117 felony arrests and the Directed Action Response Team cleared 430 encampments, a 56% arrest increase from 2023.
On the Third Street Promenade, Part I crimes rose 2% and Part II crimes 5%, driven by pickpocketing and narcotics arrests, with 70% of 256 arrests tied to homeless individuals. The Homeless Liaison Program handled 4,541 calls and 335 encampment clearances. The Drone as First Responder program logged 1,551 flights, aiding 264 detentions, while a $6.1 million grant funds the emerging Santa Monica Real-Time Crime Center, integrating CCTV, Flock Safety Cameras, and live feeds.
Recruitment saw 12 officers hired in 2024 and 13 in 2025, with female representation reaching 15%, above the national average. Community sentiment surveys of over 2,000 residents flagged homelessness and drug activity as top concerns, yet support for safety measures remains strong.
