Smiling police officer in uniform in front of an American flag background.

Chief of Police

Darrick Jacob

Chief of Police

Chief Jacob began his law enforcement career with the California State University, Northridge Police Department in 1996, before joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2001. He was hired by the Santa Monica Police Department in 2004. As a Police Officer, he served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Property Crimes Detective.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008, where he supervised Patrol, Personnel and Training, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, Police Dispatch, and Detectives. In 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as Patrol Watch Commander, Operations Adjutant, Downtown Services Unit Commander, Homeless Liaison (HLP), and S.W.A.T. Commander. Promoted to Captain in 2018, he commanded both the Patrol Operations Division and the Strategic Services Division.

In 2020, he was promoted to Deputy Chief before assuming leadership as Chief in 2025.

Police officers in uniform gathered in a garage, some taking notes, standing near a black SUV, listening to a speaker.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Interim Chief Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. He has completed professional development programs including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), the California POST Executive Development Course, and the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the California Police Chiefs Association, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).