August 22, 2025
To the residents of Santa Monica,
It is with deep gratitude and reflection that I share the news that on today’s date, I submitted my letter of resignation to City Manager Oliver Chi. I will be stepping down as your Chief of Police, effective October 4, 2025.
I know this announcement may surprise you, but I want you to understand it comes after careful thought and with deep appreciation for the time we’ve shared, the challenges we’ve faced, and the future we’ve built together.
When I arrived in Santa Monica, our department faced major challenges. Morale was low, staffing levels were at historic lows, and hope was scarce. Still, from the start, I was inspired by the character and resilience of the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department. Together, we rebuilt our ranks, reaffirmed our mission, and strengthened our connection to this community. Today, I leave confident that we accomplished every major goal we set and laid the foundation for the next chapter of policing in this city.
One of our earliest and most important steps was implementing the OIR recommendations after the events of 2020. At the same time, we invested in modernization and accountability by launching a new computer-aided dispatch and records management system, rebuilding our communications platforms, and laying the groundwork for the city’s first Real-Time Crime and Information Center with the support of a $6 million grant. These tools, along with expanded camera systems and the formalization of our Drone as First Responder program, have made Santa Monica a leader in 21st-century policing.
But technology alone doesn’t make a city safe. Safety starts with people and I couldn’t be more proud of the people of SMPD, both sworn and professional staff. Through extraordinary personal sacrifice, our officers and staff gave more of themselves than ever before. During years of severe understaffing, they worked long hours and mandatory overtime without complaint, raising their performance instead of avoiding the challenge. Their dedication and resilience increased our sworn staffing from a low of 177 in October 2021 to 231 today, while also launching a first-of-its-kind five-year strategic plan to prepare for the demands of the 2028 Olympics.
During this period, we also reinstated and expanded specialized teams that have had a direct and noticeable impact on community safety. We restored the Crime Impact Team to combat theft and drug activity, increased the Homeless Liaison Program to seven days a week for the first time, and launched the Directed Action Response Team (DART), which has become a model for improving safety on the Pier, in our parks, and downtown. Through targeted deployments in retail corridors and city parks, our Downtown Services Unit addressed theft and quality-of-life issues while building stronger partnerships with businesses and residents alike.
Equally important was our commitment to recruiting the best talent for the future. While police departments nationwide struggled to attract candidates, SMPD hired 73 new officers by 2024, 25% of whom were women, increasing female representation in the department to 15% and added another 22 officers in 2025 alone. These were not just hires; they were the most qualified candidates in Los Angeles County, selected to represent the community’s excellence and diversity.
Our officers also stood strong when Santa Monica needed them most. They protected homes during the Palisades fires, defended neighborhoods against looting, and responded to violent attacks against officers and residents alike with bravery and professionalism. They managed dozens of public protests with skill and respect, ensuring people could express themselves safely and lawfully. These efforts, often under intense scrutiny, showcased the very best of public service; a stark contrast from the events of May 31, 2020.
Inside the department, I believed it was important to build a culture based on wellness, resilience, and unity. We introduced new resources for officer mental and physical health, updated our fleet with safer, more sustainable vehicles, and fostered an environment centered on teamwork, trust, and communication. I have always felt that when we take care of our people, they are best able to serve the community—and the progress we have achieved shows that to be true.
Equally important was strengthening our relationship with you, the community we serve. Through transparency, new communication channels, and hundreds of community meetings, we expanded the ways we share information and build trust. Whether through the Blue Notebook, our podcast Studio 66, social media platforms, or our new digital crime dashboard, we opened the doors of your police department in ways never seen before. These efforts are rooted in my strong belief that true public safety relies on trust, communication, and genuine partnership between the police and the community.
The results of this collective effort speak volumes. In 2024, SMPD responded to over 128,000 calls for service and made more than 50,000 proactive contacts to prevent crime and foster trust. Officers made over 2,800 arrests, and the city saw a decrease in Part 1 Crime. Behind each of these numbers is a resident whose safety, security, or quality of life was safeguarded by the dedication of our officers and staff.
Looking back, I am extremely proud of what we accomplished together. We faced significant challenges, and through resilience, innovation, and teamwork, we transformed them into opportunities for growth and progress. Most recently, our trust-building efforts culminated when, during the peak of the LA immigration raids, 20 Spanish-speaking residents proudly joined us for a 10-week community academy. We are honored and humbled by our residents’ resilience and courage.
I am particularly proud that during my time here, our primary focus remained steadfast on the most important goal: the safety of our residents and the well-being of our officers and staff.
To the people of Santa Monica: thank you for your trust, partnership, and support. To the members of the Santa Monica Police Department: thank you for your courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to this city. Serving alongside you has been the greatest honor of my career.
As I move on to a new chapter, I do so knowing that Santa Monica is safer, stronger, and better equipped for the future. Trust that our officers care and love you like our own family. The work here will carry on, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of being part of this amazing community.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Chief Ramon Batista
