Community Update from Interim Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks

As I have done several times over the past few months, I am sharing an informational message regarding the Police Department’s more recent and future activities. As you know, the Police Department implemented a structured staffing plan to ensure there was adequate staffing over the course of the criminal trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer who was being tried for the murder of George Floyd. Although there was no indication of any specific threats to our community, given the significance of the trial and its potential implications, your Police Department, in collaboration with our municipal partners, implemented an emergency action plan in the event there were circumstances requiring additional resources. We were pleased to see that even as justice prevailed, so did our hope for calm in the aftermath of the convictions. Now we turn our attention to monitoring the developments associated with the sentencing phase of the trial; the sentencing is scheduled to occur in mid-June 2021.

 

Looking ahead, there are other differently impacting matters on the horizon. On May 11, 2021, the Santa Monica City Council will receive and hear the Office of Independent Review (OIR) Group’s After-Action Report during the evening’s City Council meeting. This report will provide valuable insights and information associated with the Police Department’s performance during the period of unrest that engulfed our community last year. The women and men of the Police Department understand the importance of this report and its recommendations. Equally, we welcome the opportunity to work alongside the newly seated Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission on those measures which ensure the Santa Monica Police Department continues to provide professional public safety services in this community.

 

For many of us, the month of May will evoke a variety of differently profound sentiments. On May 12th, the Police and Fire Departments will honor those who lost their lives while serving this community. On May 18th, the Police Department will mark its quasquicentennial or 125th anniversary. On May 25th, we all will remember that Mr. George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis on this day one year ago. On May 31st, memories of last year’s unrest and the ensuing destruction will come to mind even as we remember and pay honor to those who lost their lives while serving in this country’s military. This year, the month of May surely reflects both our joy and our pain.

 

As we all heal from the pain of the last year, the women and men of the Santa Monica Police Department remain committed to keeping you and our community safe. We are honored to serve.

 

Thank you.