The Santa Monica Police Department released their weekly crime update on Sunday, revealing a significant increase in calls for service and arrests compared to the same period last year. From February 1-7, 2026, there were 13,829 calls for service, an 18% increase, with 536 arrests made so far this year, up 68% from 319 during the same timeframe in 2025.
Crime suppression efforts focused on proactive enforcement in high-activity corridors, including Downtown Santa Monica and Palisades Park. The Department’s use of data-informed deployment and coordinated multi-unit responses helped disrupt ongoing criminal activity and prevented escalation in several incidents involving weapons, domestic violence, and robbery.
The K9 Unit conducted 40 periodic checks citywide and supported department training exercises during the week. Key crime suppression incidents included a death investigation, multiple parole violations, narcotics arrests, and repeat offenders identified during directed patrol operations.
Traffic enforcement operations remained strategic and complaint-driven, with over 262 citations issued for distracted driving, right-of-way violations, and DUI enforcement. The Department also continued coordination with regional partners on collision investigations and Vision Zero initiatives.
Homelessness response efforts balanced outreach, mental health coordination, and municipal code enforcement across parks, freeway underpasses, Downtown, and beach areas. Directed deployments focused on repeat encampment locations and individuals with prior advisals.
The SMPD’s Community & Youth Engagement initiative emphasized transparency, partnership, and long-term problem-solving through neighborhood meetings, business outreach, and youth engagement initiatives. The Department also continued operational planning for the Downtown Substation to enhance accessibility and visible presence in the city’s commercial core.
Source: https://www.smdp.com/happy-sunday-the-blue-notebook-review-feb-1-8-2026