Santa Monica is increasing police patrols across the city, including popular tourist destinations like the Pier and beaches, as well as downtown and residential areas, following a summer marked by violence. The move comes after two shootings over a single weekend, including a fatal incident near the Santa Monica Pier.
Police Chief Darrick Jacob stated that the department's priority is to protect residents, workers, and visitors. "Our responsibility is to protect everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Santa Monica. That means being present, visible, and accessible," Jacob said. The department plans to engage with businesses in the downtown and Pier areas to address their concerns and offer safety resources.
The heightened police presence aims to reassure the community and visitors about safety in the normally bustling tourist city. This initiative follows a series of incidents that have put the city on edge.
Recent events include a man being shot and killed near the Pier on Saturday after allegedly charging at officers. The following day, a person was injured in a shooting during an attempted robbery. In mid-July, another man was fatally shot in a parking lot near the Pier. The city also experienced a homicide when a woman was beaten to death in a residential care facility. This killing marked Santa Monica's fifth homicide of 2026, already exceeding the four homicides recorded in all of 2025.
In addition to increased patrols, the Santa Monica Police Department is organizing community outreach events, such as "Coffee with a Cop" at Pacific Park on the Pier, to foster trust and communication with residents. The increased patrols are concentrated in areas that draw significant numbers of tourists and residents, including the Pier, the beach, Palisades Park, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods.