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.

Strategic Plan: 2024–2028 

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.


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:

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:

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) 

Directed Action Response Team (DART)


Promenade Crime & Calls for Service

The Third Street Promenade remains a focus for visibility and enforcement.


Homeless Liaison Program (HLP)

The HLP Team responded to:


Drone Operations and DFR Innovation

The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program led in tactical support and was a force-multiplier for the department:

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:

This central hub will support real-time response, efficient deployment, and investigative support.


Recruitment & Women in Policing

In 2024:


Community Sentiment: Zencity & Blockwise

Over 2,000 residents participated in sentiment surveys:

Community Engagement Remains Strengthening Relationships


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.


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