The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap December 7 - December 13, 2024

December 17, 2024 11:54 AM
by Erika Aklufi

PSF Holiday Luncheon/Dinner: SMPD is truly a family. Personnel joined together to celebrate the season at the annual PSF holiday luncheon. Moments like these remind us of the strong bond we share, built on trust, teamwork and a shared purpose. 

 Explorer Graduation:  SMPD Command Staff attended the latest Explorer Academy graduation to support Explorer Kseniia Davydova. She was recognized as the Top Academic Performer in the Academy, and Chief Batista had the honor of presenting the award at her graduation.

Department-wide Statistics

Total Calls for Service (CFS):  2,321.  YTD (through 12/07):  121,423

 Source of calls:

Patrol Operations Division

Notable Incidents:

Battery – 1300 Block 3RD Street Promenade (Barney’s Beanery).  An intoxicated subject was bothering customers.  When the victim, a bartender, attempted to escort the subject from the location, the subject struck him in the face.  The bartender struck back in self-defense and the subject fell to the ground, hitting the back of his head.  The subject had an outstanding $60,000 warrant out of Inglewood for battery.  The case is under investigation.

 

Overdose (OD)/Narcan Deployment - 1600 Block of 11th Street.  Officers responded to an OD at the location, but the subject ran away prior to their arrival. A second call was broadcast when the subject returned.  Officers found the subject unconscious and administered Narcan.  A second dose was given by paramedics.  He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

 

Suicidal Subject – 1300 Block of 2nd Street (Parking Structure 4).  Officers responded to a radio call of a subject standing on the rooftop ledge, on the alley side of the railing.  A patrol officer, with assistance of Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) personnel, negotiated with subject for over an hour.  SMFD and LAFD responded to assist, deploying an inflatable air cushion.  The subject was ultimately grabbed and pulled to safety by the officers.  The PD’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) clinician placed the individual on a mental health hold, and she was transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

 

Vehicle Code Violations/Gun Arrest - Ocean Avenue and Pacific Street.  Officers were on patrol near Ocean Ave and Pacific Street where they contacted a subject in a parked vehicle for multiple vehicle code violations. Officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the driver to exit the vehicle to conduct a DUI investigation. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun, an open bottle of alcohol, and marijuana.

 

Hot Prowl/Burglary – 200 Block of 22nd Street.  The victim arrived home and heard two male voices speaking Spanish in her kitchen. The suspects fled when she turned on a light, jumping a fence and fleeing in a waiting vehicle.  There was no loss.  The investigation is ongoing.  

 

Hot Prowl / Attempted Burglary – 2000 Block of Navy Street.  The victim was asleep at home when she woke to the sound of her house alarm. The witness (victim’s cohabitant) was monitoring video when she saw two suspects, one carrying a crowbar, jump the fence and enter the property.  The witness set off the alarm, causing the suspects to flee. 

 

Narcotics / Probation Violation - 400 Block of Broadway.  Officers were patrolling the downtown area when they observed a subject riding his bicycle on the sidewalk in violation of the municipal code. The detained subject admitted to having narcotics paraphernalia in his property. Paraphernalia was located and the subject was found to be probation. A probation hold was obtained. 

 

Sex Offender / Narcotics - 600 Block of Olympic Blvd. Officers were patrolling the downtown area when they recognized a subject as a sex registrant out of compliance. The subject was detained for the registration violation.  He was also in possession of fentanyl and more than half an ounce of methamphetamine. 

 

No Bail Warrant - 1500 Block of Palisades Park.  An officer conducting a periodic check of Palisades Park observed a subject known from a prior encounter as having outstanding warrants.  The subject had an outstanding a No Bail warrant out of our agency for felony battery on a police officer. 

 

Burglary – 2400 Block of Ocean Front Walk (OFW). Officers responded to an audible burglar alarm and discovered a window smash. The subject forced open both cash registers, which were empty. On the way out, the subject grabbed a bag containing Chip Clips.

 

Criminal Threats with Firearm- 1400 Block of Alley 7. The victim, a security guard, approached the subject and advised him about loitering near the business. The subject threatened to shoot the victim and simultaneously reached for what the victim believed was the handle of a firearm in the suspect’s crossbody bag. The subject fled the area on foot southbound Alley 7 toward Colorado Avenue.

 

Criminal Threats / No Bail Warrant- 1500 Block of 2nd Street.  The victim was walking with her mother when she noticed a subject following them.  The subject told the victim he was going to stab her. They ran inside a local business and asked for help calling police.  The suspect was located near Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue.  The subject was on parole for robbery and had a No Bail warrant. 

 

Assault with a Deadly Weapon - 500 Block of Broadway.  Officers responded to a call of an altercation between the victim and suspect during which the suspect punched the victim and cut the victim with a pair of scissors. The victim sustained minor lacerations.


Grand Theft – 100 Block of Wilshire Boulevard.  The victim reported that two suspects entered the jewelry store located inside the Fairmont Hotel and requested to see a Rolex watch. They distracted the victim by asking him to check the safe for additional inventory. While the victim checked the safe, the suspects stole the Rolex watch and a ring.

 

Traffic Stop / Gun Arrest – 1600 Block of Main Street.  Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration.  Investigation revealed a loaded handgun inside the vehicle (on the floorboard) with a matching empty holster attached to the belt of one of the occupants.  Additionally, a small amount of cocaine was found.  All four suspects were ultimately arrested (2 adults, 2 juveniles).  Both juveniles were later cited out to their parents.

 

Crime Impact Team (CIT)

 WEEKLY STATS:

Special Deployments:

CIT officers conducted follow-up in the 2000 Block of 21st Street regarding reports of gang graffiti.  Video was obtained. During a call later in the week, officers observed the vehicle associated with the graffiti.  The vehicle was stopped, and the driver identified.  The investigation is ongoing.

CIT conducted a crime suppression operation in the Pico Neighborhood with the following results:

Incidents of note:

CIT officers conducted a periodic check of Virginia Park and contacted a group. One of the individuals is on probation and a known Santa Monica gang member. All subjects were interviewed.

Officers observed several subjects loitering in the 2000 Block of Cloverfield Boulevard. One of the subjects was on probation for firearms and is a Santa Monica gang member. Officers attempted to contact the individual, but he fled inside a residence.  The subject was called outside, and a probation search was conducted.  Officers wrote a report to be forwarded to his probation officer for a possible violation.

CIT officers conducted high visibility patrol in the Wilshire corridor and Downtown area with the following results:

Incident of note:

Officers contacted a known probationer at 16th Street and Wilshire Boulevard for a municipal code violation. The subject was on felony probation for burglary. A want/ warrant check revealed an outstanding felony warrant for grand theft out of UCLA PD. The subject was arrested for the outstanding warrant.

CIT conducted a Beat 3 crime suppression operation with the following results:

Incident of note:

Officers conducted a bike stop at Cloverfield Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard for a municipal code violation. The subject was identified as a parolee at large. He was also in possession of methamphetamine and a meth pipe.

Directed Action Response Team (DART)

WEEKLY STATS:

Police Department

Code Enforcement

Notable Incidents:

Warrant Arrest - 1200 Block Beach Bike Path.  DART officers contacted a pedestrian for a municipal code violation and discovered he had multiple outstanding warrants.    

Warrant Arrest – 1300 Block of 3rd Street.  DART officers contacted a known sex registrant.  He was arrested for a total of ten warrants, all out of SMPD.

No Bail Warrant - 800 Block of Pico Boulevard. DART officers conducted a bike stop and discovered the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia.  A criminal history check showed the subject had a No Bail warrant from San Bernardino County for assault. 

No Bail Parole Violation - 2300 Block of Santa Monica Boulevard.  DART conducted a bike stop and found the subject was in possession of narcotics.  The subject was arrests for a No Bail parole warrant.

Parole Violation – 1100 Block of Lincoln Boulevard.  Officers contacted a subject in Reed Park for a parole compliance check. The subject was found to be out of compliance with the terms of his parole and was arrested. 

Possible Casing – Beach Lot 1 North.  Officers contacted a subject who was acting erratically and was suspected of burglarizing vehicles.  There was no evidence of burglary.  The subject was arrested for public intoxication (drugs).

Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team

HLP Team Stats

DMH/HLP Clinician Stats

 

Notable Incidents:

 

HLP Officers responded to the 1700 Block of 9th Street regarding a 311 request of multiple subjects camping in the alley. HLP Officers contacted a subject who had an outstanding Santa Monica Police Department Warrant. The subject was arrested without incident. The subject is experiencing homelessness and is from another state.

 

HLP Officers responded to the 1500 Block of 15th Street regarding a 311 request of an encampment in the alley. HLP Officers located an unoccupied encampment.  HLP Officers contacted City of Santa Monica HOST maintenance crew who responded to the address and cleaned up the encampment and bulk trash.

 

There have been multiple 311 requests for the 2900 Block of 2nd Street stating different subjects have established large encampments. After several checks of the location, officers encountered a subject at the encampment and provided him resource opportunities.  The subject left with his belongings and HLP Officers contacted the HOST team to assist with cleaning up trash and other debris.

 

Community Affairs Unit (CAU)

The Community Affairs Unit was awarded a Chief’s Commendation for the team’s exemplary service and dedication to public safety collaborations.  They have done an amazing job creating a positive and engaging environment for all residents, business owners, and visitors to the city.  


Crime Prevention Coordinator (CPC)  Barreto

CPC Barreto compiled crime data for the Northeast Neighbors, WilMont Association, Pico Improvement Organization and Friends of Sunset Park monthly meetings.

 

CPC Barreto assisted with providing Pico businesses with information on security assessments for their new Grant Program and has begun scheduling assessments for the businesses.

 

CPC Barreto received Ring camera footage of a vandalism taking place near 20th Street and Virginia Ave. and forwarded the information to detectives as well as officers on the Crime Impact Team.

 

CPC Barreto decorated the lobby tree with the assistance of Cadets and planned and coordinated the SMPD tree lighting ceremony with PIC Morrison. After the tree lighting celebration, CPC Barreto guided her Community Academy to Conference room 5, where she facilitated that week's Academy with presentations from Personnel and Training and SWAT. 

 

CPC Barreto coordinated item pickup for the Boys and Girls Club Toy Drive.

 

Beat 1: Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO) Hollowell and CPC Barreto

 

NRO Hollowell facilitated a session for the Community Academy on the topic of recruitment. The presentation covered key aspects of the recruitment process, including the requirements to become a police officer, the benefits of the profession, and the challenges involved in recruiting top-tier candidates. NRO Hollowell also addressed generational wants and needs of candidates, discussing how they influence recruitment strategies and the diverse assignments and opportunities available within the department.

 

Throughout the session, the Hollowell fielded questions from Community Academy participants, providing detailed responses and fostering an engaging and informative discussion. The presentation aimed to enhance understanding of the recruitment process and the department’s efforts to attract and retain the best candidates to serve the community effectively.

 

Beat 2: NRO Navarro and CPC Barreto

 

NRO Navarro attended the Friends of Sunset Park Community meeting with CPC Barreto.   Residents were reminded about holiday shopping safety tips and the potential of package theft increase. 

 

NRO Navarro attended the Pico Improvement Organization Community meeting.  Crime statistics were shared, and various questions were answered.  Community input included a traffic hazard in the 2900 block of Pico Boulevard. 

 

NRO Navarro attended a meeting with police and City Attorney Office representatives regarding updates about the Pavilions Motel.  As inquiries are made from community members, information will be shared and additional inquires will be directed to the City Attorney. 

 

NRO Navarro and NRO Galvan hosted a community meeting with the residents of the 2200 block of 5th Street.  The topic of homelessness was discussed and the numerous resources available were discussed.    Residents were very appreciative and felt more confident with the direct phone numbers and emails provided. 

 

Beat 3: NRO Galvan and CPC Barreto

 

NRO Galvan and CPC Barreto joined the rest of the Community Affairs Team in volunteering for Meals on Wheels and delivering food to several residents in the city. 

 

NRO Galvan along with the Community Affairs Unit participated in the annual Montana Holiday Walk.

 

Beat 4: NRO Wang and CPC Barreto


NRO Wang attended the PSF Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 4th.

NRO Wang conducted a foot patrol along Montana Avenue.

NRO Wang has been finalizing a pamphlet for residents with information about identifying and avoiding financial scams.

The Chief's office received a letter from a resident regarding issues within her neighborhood. NRO Wang responded to the location and contacted the resident. After a lengthy discussion, NRO Wang and the resident worked together to identify solutions and gain a mutual understanding of common quality-of-life issues.

Whole Foods contacted NRO Wang regarding a chronic trespasser who continues to cause problems at their location.

The owner of a property in the 1800 Block of California Ave has been in communication with NRO Wang regarding the eviction notice for the property, which has been identified as a problematic location for patrol, generating numerous calls. NRO Wang is staying informed about the progress of the eviction process.

A resident reached out to NRO Wang about donating to the SMPOA Charity Fund. NRO Wang and Sergeant Goodwin have been in communication with the resident regarding the donation.

NRO Wang attended the NE Neighbors community meeting and the Montana Avenue Holiday Walk.

Harbor Patrol Unit

 

Weekly Statistics:

Notable Incidents:

Boating Enforcement: Harbor Services Officers (HSOs) contacted a 22' power vessel with two persons on board, located just west of the Pier inside the breakwall/restricted boating area.  The vessel was within 50 yards of the Pier.  Boat operator was advised of the violations, and the vessel moved further west out of the area.

Disturbing the Peace (Pier Performers):  HSOs observed a verbal altercation between two Pier performers arguing over performing spaces at the west end of the Pier.  With the assistance of an on-duty LA County Sheriff’s Deputy, the HSOs separated the performers and convinced them to leave the area.

Nudity / Ocean Rescue:  HSOs responded to call of a nude female in the 1300 Block of the Beach. When the HSOs and responding officers attempted to detain her, she ran into the water and refused to exit.  The HSOs and LA County Lifeguards pulled her from the water.  Officers detained her and then transported her to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Mental Health Call:  HSOs responded to Lifeguard Tower 15 to assist SMPD officers with a subject who stole a toy bat from citizens and then climbed into the back of a Lifeguard truck.  The subject was transported to a hospital for a mental health hold and the toy baseball bat was returned to the owner.

Minor Medical Aid: HSOs received a call for a minor medical aid at the Pier Substation.  A visitor to the Pier tripped over a curb and had minor abrasions to her lower extremities.  HSOs cleaned and bandaged her wounds.  She refused any further care. 

Check the Status/Boat:  HSOs responded to a call of a possible broken-down vessel and checked the area.  The HSOs were later advised that the vessel in question made its way out of the area without any problems.

Authored By

Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant

Categories

Programs, Safety