Longtime SMPD Veteran Becomes First Internal Chief Appointment in More Than 40 Years
Santa Monica has named longtime department veteran Darrick Jacob as its next chief of police, elevating the acting chief to the permanent role following more than two decades of service with the department.
City Manager Oliver Chi announced the appointment, which took effect Dec. 14. Jacob, who has served as acting chief since August 2025, becomes the first internal candidate selected as Santa Monica police chief in more than 40 years.
Jacob joined the Santa Monica Police Department in 2004 and has held a wide range of operational and leadership positions. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2020 and later assumed leadership of the department as interim chief. His background includes assignments in patrol operations, investigations, organizational management, and citywide public safety coordination.
Before joining SMPD, Jacob worked for the California State University, Northridge Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
As acting chief, Jacob emphasized four department-wide priorities: crime reduction, homelessness, traffic safety, and community and youth engagement. City officials said those priorities have guided deployment strategies, enforcement decisions, and partnerships throughout Santa Monica.
A key component of Jacob’s leadership approach has been increasing officer visibility through expanded foot beats, bicycle patrols and high-visibility deployments in residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors and pedestrian-heavy areas. City officials stated that these strategies are designed to deter crime, enhance response times, and foster stronger relationships between officers and residents.
Under Jacob’s leadership, the department reached full sworn staffing for the first time in nearly 20 years, following City Council approval of additional over-hire positions. The staffing increase has enabled expanded patrol coverage, increased downtown presence, and enhanced coordination with specialized units, including the Homeless Liaison Program and the Downtown Services Unit.
Jacob began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the CSUN Police Department and joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2001 before being hired by SMPD. During his career, he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, motor officer, defensive tactics instructor, and property crimes detective.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2008 and later to lieutenant in 2013, overseeing patrol operations, training, dispatch, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, detectives, and specialized units, including S.W.A.T. Jacob was promoted to captain in 2018 and commanded both the Patrol Operations Division and the Strategic Services Division.
Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. He has completed several executive leadership programs, including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, the California POST Executive Development Course, and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
Jacob is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, the California Police Chiefs Association, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
He is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. The ceremony will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.
