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

Police officer in uniform smiling with a flag in the background.

Chief of Police

Darrick Jacob

Chief of Police Darrick Jacob was appointed to lead the Santa Monica Police Department in August 2025. He 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.

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Police officer in uniform with a mustache, standing in front of a U.S. flag, showing police badge on the jacket.

Deputy Chief

William Heric

Deputy Chief Bill Heric brings over twenty-five years of distinguished law enforcement experience to his new role within the Santa Monica Police Department. He directs the daily operations across the organization and helps advance key priorities under the City’s Realignment Plan and supports the Chief Jacob’s vision for the department.

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