By Lookout Staff

March 10, 2026 -- When Police Chief Darrick Jacob was appointed to run the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) on a permanent basis last December, he became the first chief since 1979 to rise through the ranks.

The Lookout recently asked him to share his thoughts on a range of issues -- from changes made under his watch to what his 22 years on the force have taught him about fighting crime in Santa Monica.

Here are Chief Jacob's answers to six questions we posed:

1. The Santa Monica Police Department has made at least 100 weekly arrests over a five-week stretch this year, a two-third increase over recent years. What has changed?

What you are seeing reflects a change in how the department is operating, not necessarily a sudden change in crime itself.

Over the past several months we have reached full sworn staffing for the first time in many years. That stability allows us to deploy officers consistently and proactively across the city. Instead of simply moving from call to call, officers now have more capacity to intervene earlier when they see unlawful behavior or conditions that could escalate.

That shift toward proactive policing leads to more officer-initiated activity, more enforcement when appropriate, and more arrests. Our goal is not to chase numbers, but to establish a consistent baseline of enforcement that addresses problems early and prevents repeat incidents in the same locations.

2. How are statewide initiatives like Propositions 47 and 57 and LA County's zero bail policies impacting Santa Monica's fight against crime?

Those policies shape the broader criminal justice system that every local law enforcement agency operates within. Our role at the Santa Monica Police Department is to enforce the law, build strong cases, and work closely with our prosecutorial partners.

There have been some recent legislative changes that allow certain repeat theft offenses and other crimes to be treated more seriously under specific circumstances. When those tools apply, they help strengthen accountability.

Regardless of the policy environment, our responsibility remains the same. We focus on consistent enforcement, strong investigations, and coordination with prosecutors, so cases move forward appropriately.

3. If, as critics contend, these policies put those arrested quickly back on the street, what can SMPD do to address the "revolving door?"

We understand the concern about repeat offenders, particularly when issues like addiction, mental illness, or homelessness are involved.

What the police department can control is consistency. When officers maintain a visible presence and consistently address unlawful behavior, it disrupts patterns that can otherwise become normalized in certain areas.

We are also focusing on directed enforcement in locations that generate recurring calls for service and working closely with the City Attorney’s Office and other partners to ensure cases are well documented and move forward when appropriate. The goal is to intervene earlier and more consistently so repeat activity does not continue unchecked.

4. Santa Monica's homeless population accounts for some two-thirds of all arrests. What can the Police Department do to help tackle the "Homelessness Emergency?"

It is important to remember that homelessness itself is not a crime. At the same time, behavior that threatens public safety or disrupts shared spaces must be addressed.

The Santa Monica Police Department has a dedicated Homeless Liaison Program that works closely with outreach providers, behavioral health teams, and other city partners. Officers focus on connecting individuals with services whenever possible while also addressing unlawful behavior when it occurs.

One important resource is the SAMO Bridge program, which helps connect individuals directly to services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, housing assistance, and family reunification. Officers can refer individuals into that program where service providers work to stabilize them and connect them to longer term support.

Addressing homelessness requires a coordinated response across multiple agencies. Law enforcement is one part of that effort. Our role is to maintain safe public spaces while helping connect individuals to the resources that can move them toward stability.

5.Santa Monica has a large senior population that is highly vulnerable to crime. What is the Police Department doing to help them?

Protecting vulnerable members of our community, including seniors, is a priority.

We focus heavily on prevention and education, particularly around fraud, scams, and financial crimes that often target older residents. Our Community Engagement Team works with neighborhood groups and senior organizations to provide guidance on how to recognize and report these crimes.

We also emphasize visible patrol presence and responsiveness in residential areas. Seniors should feel confident that when they call the police, their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed.

Public safety ultimately depends on trust, and maintaining strong relationships with our senior community is an important part of that work.

6. You are the first police chief in nearly a half century to rise through the ranks. What has your experience taught you about fighting crime in Santa Monica?

Serving in this department for many years gives you a deep understanding of both the community and the organization.

Santa Monica is a unique city. We have residential neighborhoods, a major tourism economy, and shared public spaces that attract people from across the region. Effective policing here requires balancing enforcement, service, traffic safety, and strong community relationships.

What my experience has reinforced is that consistency matters. When officers are well trained, supported, and deployed strategically, they can intervene earlier, build strong relationships with the community, and address problems before they escalate.

I am proud of the professionalism of the men and women of this department, and the work we are doing today reflects that commitment to serving the community.