By Jorge Casuso

November 25, 2025 -- Police will have a highly visible presence during the holiday season across "all key areas," especially commercial corridors, transit hubs and visitor destinations, police officials said Monday.

The SMPD Holiday Deployment plan also targets neighborhood centers, with "dedicated resources focused on residential streets to deter property crime," officials said.

"As Santa Monica enters the holiday season, SMPD has activated an enhanced deployment focused on visibility, safety, and proactive engagement," said Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the Police Department spokesman.

"Throughout the season, residents and visitors will see more officers on foot, on bicycles, and in marked units seven days a week," Gilmour said.

To tackle crime, SMPD will strengthen its presence at the Pier, Promenade and Santa Monica Place and continue its ongoing efforts to address retail theft, burglary, robbery and disorder-related crime.

"Focused enforcement teams and expanded downtown patrols" will provide specialized support, and police will work in "close coordination with business owners, private security and regional law enforcement."

Police will also enhance their efforts when it comes Santa Monica's entrenched homeless population by "ensuring public safety and community livability," while "prioritizing compassion."

During the holidays, the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) team will increase its coverage "in high-traffic locations" and coordinate engagement with outreach teams and service providers.

Officers will conduct safety checks near transit centers, public facilities and major attractions and enforce laws "related to disorder, trespassing, narcotics, and public-safety concerns."

"Our goal is to ensure safety for all while connecting individuals to supportive services whenever possible," officials said.

SMPD will also focus on reducing collisions and unsafe driving during the holiday season, which sees "heavier pedestrian and vehicle traffic."

Traffic officers will focus on "DUI and impaired-driving enforcement," increase their visibility "at high-volume intersections and pedestrian corridors" and crack down on speed and crosswalk violations near shopping areas and school zones.

Throughout the holiday season, officers will also participate in "business walks and retailer outreach" and "residential security assessments.

They'll also strengthen relationships with area youth through Police Activities League (PAL) winter programming and school presentations, while engaging with the community at events and neighborhood gatherings.

The SMPD Holiday Deployment directly aligns with the City’s Realignment Plan approved by the City Council last month, police officials said ("Council Approves Ambitious Plan to Revitalize City," October 30, 2025).

The plan "prioritizes restoring public confidence, supporting business vitality, and ensuring safe, welcoming public spaces," Gilmour said.

"Our deployment mirrors these priorities by placing officers where they can make the greatest impact on safety, visibility, and deterrence."