More Than a Badge

Community First, Always

Proud to Serve Santa Monica

A city as iconic as its people

From the world-famous pier to neighborhood parks and scenic beaches, Santa Monica is more than a destination—it’s a vibrant, diverse community. SMPD is proud to serve a city defined by its energy, spirit, and sense of community. Whether patrolling the 3rd Street Promenade, engaging with families at local parks, or supporting citywide events, we’re here to protect what makes Santa Monica shine

Sunset over a beach with palm trees and a pathway, vibrant clouds in the sky, and a beachside road.

A view of the Santa Monica skyline through a circle

Working with the Community

Serve, Engage, and Make a Difference

At SMPD, public safety is a partnership. We work closely with residents, schools, and local organizations to solve problems, support youth, and create lasting change. Our outreach efforts are rooted in listening, learning, and showing up.

Four police officers in uniform standing together outdoors, smiling with trees and a sunset in the background.

Community Engagement Team

Assigned to specific Santa Monica neighborhoods, these officers build lasting relationships and support public safety through outreach, community wellness, and crime prevention.

Santa Monica Police Department officers at a community event table with coffee, pastries, and a "Coffee with a Cop" sign.

Community Events & Pop-Ups

Whether it’s Coffee with a Cop or National Night Out, we connect with residents through informal, engaging events across the city.

Mental health worker comforts a person in distress sitting on a wall outside a building at dusk.

Crisis Response & Support

SMPD’s Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) teams officers with L.A. County DMH clinicians to respond to mental health crises and homelessness-related calls with care, compassion, and expertise.

People posing with police officers on bicycles while another person takes a photo on a bustling city street.

Business & Retail Partnerships

The SMPD works directly with Santa Monica’s business and retail community to create safe, welcoming environments through collaboration and problem-solving

Presentation on community programs with diverse attendees seated, featuring a slide on youth enrichment and law enforcement collaboration.

Community Police Academy

The Community Police Academy offers an inside look at how SMPD operates and why. Through interactive sessions, residents and officers connect to build transparency, trust, and mutual understanding.

Leadership, Engagement, Action & Discovery (LEAD)

LEAD is the SMPD’s vanguard of youth engagement, delivering programs that inspire leadership, growth, and community among local youth. Operated by dedicated staff, interns and a specially trained cadre of officers.

Police officer on motorcycle at sunset with amusement park in the background.

Police officer holding the American flag in a formal ceremony with colleagues standing nearby in uniform.

Police officer standing confidently with arms crossed in front of a patrol car with an open door.

Police officer in uniform standing in front of a government building with columns, another officer in background.

Two police officers smiling outdoors; a separate image of two children, one holding the other, dressed in white outfits.

Dog with open mouth and tongue out, wearing green collar, sitting in front of American flag and blurred background.

“As a lateral from a large agency, I can say that Santa Monica PD has a family atmosphere that was missing in my former department. Everyone here looks out for each other.”

David Han

Motorcycle Officer

“The pride I feel wearing this badge comes from knowing that our family extends beyond City borders and reaches across the globe.”

Elaina Hassan

K9 Officer

“Every day at SMPD reminds me why I chose this career — to help, to protect, and to leave a positive impact on a community I care about.“

Police officer smiling and standing beside an open police vehicle trunk in an outdoor setting.

Officer Michelle Reese

Homeless Liaison Program Officer

“When I left the classroom, I wasn’t walking away from my students — I was walking toward a broader way to serve them. I still think about the kids I taught. I became a police officer to help protect the world they’re growing up in.”

Police officer standing confidently in uniform in front of a large government building with a colleague in the background

Officer Melendez

Former Teacher

“We were always protecting each other as kids. Now we wear the same badge and protect a whole community — together.”

Officers Elvia & Jessica Medina

Sisters

“Woof… woof…”

K9 Mylo

Ready to Learn More or Take the Next Step?

Exploring a career with SMPD? We are here to help—reach out to ask questions, get guidance, or speak with a recruiter today.

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