
2024 Annual Crime Statistics
June 11, 2025 10:18 AM
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2024 Annual Crime Report: Advancing Public Safety, Transparency, and Innovation
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is proud to share our 2024 Annual Crime Report, a comprehensive look at our public safety efforts, challenges, and accomplishments. This year, we’ve made major strides in data transparency, community engagement, technological innovation, and strategic crime reduction.
Despite regional challenges such as homelessness, mental health crises, and staffing constraints, SMPD remained focused on reducing crime and increasing community trust.
In 2024, we launched a bold five-year Strategic Plan to guide the department through emerging public safety needs. Centered around innovative policing, accountability, and staff wellness, the plan ensures our commitment to professionalism, courage, and compassion in serving Santa Monica.
A New Technology & Crime Reporting
In May of 2024, SMPD transitioned to the Versaterm Records Management System, replacing a 35-year-old platform. This shift improves data collection, reporting accuracy, and real-time analysis. Simultaneously, we adopted the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), giving us deeper insight into each reported incident and enhancing our crime dashboards, set to launch publicly in June of 2025.
2024 Calls for Service (CFS)
In 2024, Santa Monica experienced a record 128,820 calls for service, a 25% increase from the previous year.
- Officer-initiated calls surged to 51,616 — a 96% increase, signaling increased patrol activity and proactive enforcement.
- Homelessness-related calls rose by 26%, now accounting for 19% of total calls (nearly 24,000 in 2024).
2024 Part I Crimes (Serious Offenses)
Total reported Part I crimes decreased by 2%, with 4,840 incidents, down from 4,917 in 2023.
Notable trends:
- Robberies dropped by 25%
- Auto theft fell by 16%
- Aggravated assaults and catalytic converter thefts declined
- Residential burglaries rose by 17%
- Larceny/theft remained the most reported crime (≈3,000 cases)
Homicides and Edged Weapon Assaults
There were 6 homicides in 2024, up from 1 in 2023. Many aggravated assaults involved knives. These incidents emphasize the intersection of public safety and homelessness.
2024 Part II Crimes (Quality-of-Life & Public Order Offenses)
There were 4,080 Part II crimes, a 16% increase over 2023. The rise was driven by:
- Narcotics offenses
- Weapons violations
- Disorderly conduct
Despite these increases, simple assaults declined, reflecting targeted enforcement in known hotspots.
Arrest Trends & Focused Enforcement
In 2024, arrests increased by 3%, with 60% involving unhoused individuals — a slight decline from 2023 but still indicative of broader social issues.
Crime Impact Team (CIT)
- 817 self-initiated contacts since relaunch in August 2024
- 117 felony arrests, 92 misdemeanor arrests, 71 citations
Directed Action Response Team (DART)
- DART handled 3,045 calls, had 349 arrests, and cleared 430 encampments — a 56% increase in arrests from 2023.
Promenade Crime & Calls for Service
The Third Street Promenade remains a focus for visibility and enforcement.
- Part I crime rose by 2%, driven by pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins.
- Part II crime increased by 5%, especially narcotics-related arrests.
- Officers responded to 8,874 calls, made 256 arrests, with 70% of those involving homeless individuals.
Homeless Liaison Program (HLP)
The HLP Team responded to:
- 4,541 calls
- conducted 3,528 proactive contacts
- closed 862 3-1-1 cases
- cleared 335 encampments
- Issued 135 citations, made 61 arrests
- Made 1,686 service referrals, including 237 mental health evaluations and 161 psychiatric holds
Drone Operations and DFR Innovation
The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program led in tactical support and was a force-multiplier for the department:
- 1,551 drone flights, 1,898 total calls
- First on scene in 81.3% of cases
- Enabled 264 detentions/arrests
All pilots are POST-certified sworn officers, ensuring constitutionally sound decision-making.
SMART Center & Surveillance Technology
Funded by a $6.1 million grant received in June of 2023, the Santa Monica Real-Time Crime (SMART) Center is under development. It will integrate:
- CCTV
- Flock Safety Cameras
- ALPR
- Drone feeds
- Live911
This central hub will support real-time response, efficient deployment, and investigative support.
Recruitment & Women in Policing
In 2024:
- SMPD hired 12 officers, and has already hired 13 in 2025
- 25% of recent hires are female, pushing female representation to 15% (above the national average)
- Recruitment enhanced by Interview Now, NTN testing, and an updated hiring website
- Application volume increased from 120 to 200+ per month
Community Sentiment: Zencity & Blockwise
Over 2,000 residents participated in sentiment surveys:
- Top concern: Homelessness, including encampments and harassment
- Other concerns: drug activity, theft, and traffic safety
- Community support remains strong for public safety and targeted interventions
Community Engagement Remains Strengthening Relationships
- SMPD engaged in over 80 community events and 26 youth programs
To learn more about the 2024 annual crime statistics and the full scope of our department’s efforts, we invite you to watch the recorded presentation delivered to the Santa Monica City Council on June 10, 2025. The presentation provides additional context and insights into our data, strategies, and ongoing public safety priorities.
📺 Watch the Council Presentation
📂View the Accompanying PowerPoint
We also encourage all residents to get involved and stay informed. One of the best ways to deepen your understanding of law enforcement and community safety is by enrolling in the Santa Monica Community Police Academy—an engaging, hands-on program designed to bring our work closer to the people we serve.
To sign up or explore other ways to connect with the Santa Monica Police Department, call our Community Engagement Team at (310) 458-8474.
Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more connected Santa Monica.