Santa Monica Police badges and patch displayed on a wooden surface representing years of service and standards for excellence.

Command with Purpose

Leadership That Inspires

Meet our Command Staff

At SMPD, leadership is a responsibility to serve, mentor, and inspire. Our command staff brings decades of experience and a forward-thinking mindset, shaping a department rooted in service, professionalism, and community trust

A police chief in uniform sits in front of an American flag, displaying badges and emblems.

Chief of Police

Ramon Batista

Chief Batista brings nearly four decades of experience and a visionary approach to modern policing. Backed by national executive training and advanced degrees, he merges academic insight with real-world leadership. Appointed to SMPD in 2021, he leads with a focus on transparency, innovation, and building community trust through officer wellness and accountability.

See Bio

Police officer in uniform with a U.S. flag background, seated, looking forward.

Deputy Police Chief

Darrick Jacob

Deputy Chief Jacob oversees daily operations and brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has led in patrol, investigations, SWAT, and command roles, shaping SMPD with steady leadership and operational depth.