By Jorge Casuso
May 6, 2026 -- The City Council on Tuesday is expected to add one year to a $3.8 million contract to provide on-site medical services to arrestees being booked into Santa Monica jail.
The agreement with Vital Medical Services, LLC includes pre-booking medical clearances to arrestees "who exhibit or complain of medical conditions" and blood draws for persons arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
"Under the current agreement, all medical services are administered by experienced and licensed medical personnel under the supervision of an emergency care physician," City staff wrote in a report to the Council.
The proposed one-year extension adds $900,000 to the contract with Vital Medical -- which expires June 30 -- resulting in a 7-year amended agreement totaling $3,813,000, according to staff.
"Extending the contract term by one year will allow staff to complete the required competitive bidding process, and allow time for contract negotiations," staff said.
It also will "provide sufficient time for a potential new vendor to mobilize their equipment and medical supplies to the Public Safety Facility."
Under State and Federal law, the Police Department is required to provide medical services to arrestees "known to have, or are declaring, medical issues or injuries" before they are booked or transported to County jail.
Instead of providing the services on-site, SMPD has the option to transport the arrestees to the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital Emergency Department, a practice reserved for more serious or complex medical needs, according to staff.
"The use of Vital Medical for medical treatment has significantly reduced the need for police officers to be removed from patrol duties to obtain medical clearances from local emergency rooms," staff said.
It is also safer to provide the services at the Public Safety Facility because it limits the public's exposure at ERs "to uncooperative, potentially combative arrestees and thwarts a mechanism for escape."
"It also enhances officer safety by not having to transport an uncooperative or combative arrestee to and from the SMPD jail."
The onsite services also are less costly, since "the cost of the emergency room visits, physician services, and any ancillary tests or medical services are absorbed by SMPD," staff said
Services provided in the medical exam room include "any requests for medical attention," such as "minor wound care, treatment of nausea, administering prescription medicine, and treating wounds caused by vermin infestations."