Deputy Chief

William Heric

Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Heric began his career in 2000 with the San Diego Police Department before joining the Santa Monica Police Department in 2005. During his time as an officer, he served as a Field Training Officer and Detective. Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, he held supervisory roles in patrol operations and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), overseeing units such as Property Crimes, Crimes Against Persons, and the Youth Services Division. In 2015, he led the development and implementation of the department’s Juvenile Diversion Program (JDP), focusing on innovative approaches to youth justice.

Promoted to Lieutenant in 2017, he managed key operational areas, including Patrol, Homeless Liaison Program (HLP), and CID.

In 2021, he was promoted to Captain. He first oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division before assuming command of the Professional Services Division. In this role, he managed the Department’s approximately $119 million budget and directed Personnel and Training, Fleet, Facilities, and Technology. He spearheaded modernization of the Department’s recruitment and hiring processes and has been stewarding the creation of the Santa Monica Analytical Real Time, SMART Center, soon to be the hub for intelligence, innovation, and real-time situational awareness. He has served as Acting Deputy Chief since June 2025. Deputy Chief Heric holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts with a minor in Theater from the University of California, San Diego. His professional development includes graduation from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, the POST Management Course, the LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute, the Yale School of Management Accelerated Management Program, and the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) in Boston.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, he has served the community as a board member of the Santa Monica YMCA and as the Department’s liaison to the City’s Risk Management Division for Workers’ Compensation for more than a decade.