Santa Monica Police Department

09/21/2026

🔬 National Forensic Science Week 🔍

Behind every fingerprint, photograph and carefully preserved piece of evidence is a forensic professional committed to finding the facts. This week, we recognize the Santa Monica Police Department’s Forensic Section and the critical work they perform through crime scene investigation, latent print comparison and chemical processing.

Interested in putting your forensic experience to work in Santa Monica? SMPD is now accepting applications for an as-needed Latent Fingerprint Examiner. The position starts $32 per hour, and applications are due by 5 p.m. on October 9.

Learn more and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santamonica/jobs/5487035/latent-fingerprint-examiner-as-needed

09/19/2026

Accountability. Compassion. A consistent presence.

During a recent outreach and enforcement effort, Santa Monica Police Department officers made 72 contacts, resulting in 4 arrests and 6 citations, while also connecting people with services and shelter resources.

The effort included:
🔹 10 service provider linkages
🔹 4 shelter referrals to Samo Bridge and Samoshel
🔹 2 instances of Project Homecoming assistance

SMPD remains committed to addressing unlawful behavior, offering meaningful assistance, and maintaining a visible presence in our community. Enforcement and outreach are both part of that work. This work is ongoing.

09/17/2026

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is seeking additional victims who may have encountered Michael Greenwald, a 72-year-old Calabasas resident arrested following an indecent exposure incident at a women’s clothing store in Santa Monica.

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m., a man entered the store and told an employee he needed to try on women’s clothing for a television show he was filming. While trying on clothing, he allegedly intentionally exposed his ge****ls and buttocks to a female employee. He then left without making a purchase. The incident was reported to SMPD the following day.

Detectives reviewed footage of the suspect’s vehicle as part of the investigation, which led to his identification and arrest on September 4, 2026. Investigators also served a search warrant at his residence and recovered evidence related to the case.

Greenwald is described as a White male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 pounds, with brown hair. He is a registered s*x offender with prior convictions for similar conduct. On September 8, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of felony indecent exposure under California Penal Code section 314(1).

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct involving Greenwald, or who has information relevant to this investigation, is encouraged to contact Detective Carlos Madrid at [email protected] or 424-280-0133, or Sgt. George Burciaga at [email protected] or 310-458-8952.

Note: Due to the ongoing investigation we are unable to share a photo of the suspect.

09/16/2026

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with BXP & SMPD! 🎉🌺

Join us Friday, October 2 at Colorado Center Park, 26th & Broadway, for an evening of family, culture, and community. We’ll have arts and crafts, Lotería con la Policía, games, folklórico performances, and more, followed by a showing of Disney Pixar’s Coco under the evening sky.

🎲 5:30 p.m. | Games & Activities
💃 6:00 p.m. | Folklórico
🎬 7:00 p.m. | Movie: Coco

Bring the family, grab a spot on the lawn, and spend the evening with your neighbors and SMPD as we celebrate the traditions, culture, and community that make Santa Monica special.

¡Nos vemos allí! 💙

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced a tragedy that forever changed us.

Today, the Santa Monica Police Department remembers the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and countless others who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

We also remember those who answered the call in the days, months, and years that followed, including the many first responders who later lost their lives to illnesses connected to their service at Ground Zero.

For those who lived through that day, the memories remain vivid. For a new generation who knows September 11 only through history, the responsibility to remember now belongs to all of us.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost. We honor those who served. And we remain grateful for the courage, sacrifice, and unity shown in our nation’s darkest hours.

We will never forget.

09/11/2026

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. Santa Monica PD would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

In California alone, 1,090 people were struck and killed while walking in 2024, which accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities.

Everyone, regardless of how they travel, deserves to arrive at their destination safely. Drivers play a critical role in keeping people walking safe. By staying focused and slowing down, especially in areas where there are more people walking, we can help prevent crashes and put safety first on every trip.

Pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers. It’s important to slow down and follow the speed limit while driving. Speed increases increase the severity and impact to someone walking and hit in a crash.

SMPD offers safe driving and walking tips when behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers
· Know and follow the speed limit.
· Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
· Never drive impaired.
· Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
· Be extra cautious at night or when driving conditions are less than optimal such as in rainy or foggy weather.

Pedestrians
• When available, use marked crosswalks at signals where drivers anticipate foot traffic.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Be visible at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material or using a flashlight.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on the phone while crossing the street.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

https://gosafelyca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/OTS_Safe_Walking_720p_10-20.mp4

It’s a busy world out there, and we’re all in this together. “Go Safely, California” is an education program from the California Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans that promotes a safety culture where everyone will “go safely.” Through year-round education campaigns, informational res...

09/10/2026

To our Jewish neighbors, friends, and colleagues celebrating Rosh Hashanah, we wish you a good and sweet new year.

As families and congregations gather for the High Holy Days, SMPD remains in close communication with our Jewish community partners. Additional patrols around synagogues, schools, and community gathering places will complement our ongoing public safety presence and support those coming together in worship and reflection.

We value these relationships throughout the year and are committed to helping everyone gather safely and feel welcome in Santa Monica.

L’Shanah Tovah

09/10/2026

WELCOME TO SMPD 👮‍♂️

It’s official.

Please join us in welcoming Santa Monica’s newest Police Officers:

• Christian Popovic
• Justin Burkley
• Jacob Spellman
• James Arakawa

Following their graduation from the police academy, the four officers took the oath of office this week and were officially sworn in as members of the Santa Monica Police Department.

Taking the oath is more than a ceremony. It represents a commitment to serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect, and to uphold the responsibility that comes with wearing the SMPD badge.

Congratulations, Officers Popovic, Burkley, Spellman, and Arakawa. We are proud to welcome you to SMPD and look forward to your service to the Santa Monica community.

09/08/2026

SM Alert- Lightning Near Santa Monica Coast

If you are on the pier/beach or in the ocean, seek shelter indoors or in an enclosed vehicle for the next 30 minutes and until the storm has passed.

To sign up for SM Alerts visit https://www.santamonica.gov/process-explainers/how-to-sign-up-for-sm-alerts

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Santa Monica! 🇺🇸🌧️

The weather may have changed the plans a little, but we hope everyone is enjoying a safe Labor Day.

If you’re heading out, slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use extra caution on wet roads. SMPD officers are out across the city today, with a visible presence in our residential neighborhoods and popular destinations.

A special thank you to the members of SMPD working today and throughout the holiday weekend. Rain or shine, your commitment to serving Santa Monica and keeping our community safe is deeply appreciated.

From all of us at the Santa Monica Police Department, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!