The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap November 16-November 22, 2024

November 25, 2024 2:45 PM
by Erika Aklufi

November 16-November 22, 2024

Community Academy Participants Witness Rescue in Action: During the Community Academy Harbor Tour, Harbor Officers received a call for assistance from LA County Sheriffs and Lifeguards for a vessel taking on water. Harbor 1 adjusted course and SMPD’s team utilized an onboard pump to help remove the standing water and save the boat from sinking. The owner of the boat was appreciative of the team’s efforts and the Community Academy participants witnessed a real-life rescue.
Chief attends Wilmont Annual Community Meeting: Chief Batista introduced participants to the department’s Strategic Plan, highlighting efforts to increase communication and outreach while maintaining a focus on the department’s mission to safeguard our community and improve quality of life.
Recruitment Testing Update: As the SMPD Recruitment Team builds on the momentum of their most recent billboard placement and other efforts, they recently announced that there will a huge change in the testing process. In keeping with other surrounding agencies, SMPD applicants now have the opportunity to take a proctored test from home!

Department-wide Statistics

Total Calls for Service (CFS): 2,181. YTD (through 11/16): 114,702

Source of calls:Citizen Initiated: 1,269 calls for service. 69,097 YTD (60% of total CFS).

Citizen Initiated: 1,269 calls for service. 69,097 YTD (60% of total CFS).
Officer Initiated: 912 calls for service. 45,605 YTD (40% of total CFS).
Disposition for CFS: Homeless related = 18% YTD.
Encampment Calls: 29. 1,498YTD.
5150 Calls: 17. 612 YTD.
Arrests: 69 total arrests. 2,483 YTD.

Patrol Operations Division

Notable Incidents:

Municipal Code Violation - 1500 Block of the Beach. DART Officers contacted a subject for a municipal code violation. Upon obtaining his information, officers discovered the subject had a $30K SMPD warrant for failure to register as a sex registrant.
Felony Battery – 600 Block of Santa Monica Blvd. A female currently experiencing homelessness entered a restaurant, sat down at a table, and ordered drinks. The victim, who is the owner of the restaurant, requested payment prior to serving the drinks. The upset suspect bit the victim’s arm causing injury. The suspect was located nearby and a field show up was conducted; the victim positively identified the individual who bit her.
Brandishing – 300 Block of the Pier. Downtown Services Unit officers responded to a radio call of a subject brandishing a box cutter at Pacific Park employees. Officers located the subject who was later positively identified by both victims. The box cutter was recovered, and the suspect was arrested.
Armed Robbery – Ocean Avenue / Colorado Avenue. Group 1 approached Group 2 and brandished a BB-gun. A member of Group 2 produced a real gun and used it to rob Group 1 of their phones, clothing, and BB-gun. Four of the Group 1 suspects (2 adults and 2 juveniles) were detained at the 4th/Colorado Train Platform. Stolen property was recovered. Three suspects were booked for robbery and one of the juveniles was booked for a curfew violation.
Assault w/ Deadly Weapon - 1900 Block of Main Street. Two suspects accused the security guard at a business on Main Street of making offensive remarks to one of their girlfriends. The suspects followed the security guard/victim to the rear of the store and a fight ensued. The suspects left and then returned minutes later to continue to physically assault the victim, striking him in the head, face and upper body multiple times. One of the suspects pulled a wine bottle from the shelf and shattered it over the victim’s head. The suspects fled in an unknown direction. The victim was treated at the scene by SMFD paramedics. Surveillance video was collected; the incident is under investigation.
Traffic Stop / Gun Arrest - Ocean Avenue / Olympic Drive. Officers conducted a traffic stop for multiple equipment violations. The driver was discovered to be on probation for firearms violations and there were open alcoholic beverages in the vehicle. A probation compliance search of the vehicle yielded two 9MM handguns. All four suspects in the vehicle were arrested. A delayed return on the license plate indicated the car was wanted in connection with an attempted murder in Palmdale a few hours prior. LASD Detectives responded to the Santa Monica police station for interviews.
Homicide - 1100 Block of 12th Street. The suspect, who is one of the victim’s three sons, stabbed the victim multiple times in her upper body. The victim died during transport to a local trauma center. The suspect possibly suffers from developmental and physical disabilities. He was taken into custody without incident.
Fatal Traffic Collision – Auto v. Bicyclist - 1800 Block of Lincoln Blvd. A bicyclist was riding southbound in the 1800 Block of Lincoln Boulevard when he was struck by one vehicle and then run over by a second vehicle. The bicyclist died at the scene. Both drivers cooperated with the investigation, and neither was under the influence. One of the drivers was discovered to be in illegal possession of a firearm inside his vehicle; he was arrested on gun charges. SMPD’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team and Forensics responded.
Firearm Arrest - 2100 Block of Ocean Avenue. Officers observed a vehicle illegally parked in a loading zone. Upon contacting the driver, officers detected an odor of marijuana and observed a container of marijuana in plain view. Officers asked the subject to step out of the vehicle and observed a firearm wedged between the seat and console.
Shots Fired / Weapons Violation – 3300 Block of Exposition Boulevard. Officers responded to a radio call of a single shot fired at a residence. The reporting party also heard their neighbor yelling threats at someone in the garage. The male resident at the location was detained and subsequently determined to be a danger to self and others and needed to be placed on a mental health hold. During a safety sweep of the residence, officers located two booby trap devices capable of firing a shotgun round; one of the devices had been triggered, leading to the initial Shots Fired report. The spent round had the projectiles (shot) removed from the shell and was a sound device only. LASD bomb squad responded to render the devices safe. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered additional ammunition. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.
Drug Violation – Lower Crescent Bay Park. DART Officers approached two subjects in Lower Crescent Bay Park for a smoking violation. They noted that one of the subjects attempted to conceal a methamphetamine pipe while also holding a sharp-edged object in his hand. As they addressed the first subject, the second subject fled. While attempting to detain the first subject, officers had to use force to get him into custody. One of the officers sustained injuries to his face. The subject also sustained injuries while he was resisting arrest. While being treated at SMEH, the suspect assaulted additional officers while he was unrestrained for a CT scan. A second use of force occurred, during which time the suspect attempted to take the Taser from an officer.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 1400 Block of Ocean Avenue. The victim was sitting in Palisades Park when he was struck in the head with a glass bottle by the suspect. The victim had no interaction with the suspect prior to the unprovoked attack. The suspect was last seen walking southbound in the park and remains outstanding. The victim, who is homeless, was transported to a local hospital with a laceration to the front of his head.
Brandishing - 900 Block of Palisades Park. A SMPD Public Services Officers was checking the pergola area and observed an encampment. When the PSO tried to advise the subject about the violation, the subject became irate, armed himself with a metal pole, and advanced toward the PSO. The PSO created distance and called for back-up. Responding officers established a perimeter and started a dialogue with the subject. While CNT was speaking with the subject, he retreated over the fence into the bluffs over PCH, placing himself in a hazardous spot. Given the severity of the two crimes (both misdemeanors), the risk to the subject, and possibly knowing the identity of the subject from a prior contact, patrol supervision decided to walk away and file charges by written complaint.

Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team

HLP Team Stats

149 - Calls for Service
20 - 311 Requests Handled
114 - Self-initiated Activity
2 - Misdemeanor Arrests
39 - Field Interviews
11 - Written Warnings
12 - Citations
100 - Referrals to Services
9 - Encampments Addressed
1 - 5150 Holds

DMH/HLP Clinician Stats

5 - Referral to services thru DMH
2 - 5150 evaluations (1 holds)

Meetings and Collaborations

HLP Team Sergeant Jaen, along with HLP Officers Samuel and Walker, provided a presentation on the HLP Team to the current citizen’s academy this past Wednesday night. They provided on overview of the team, its mission, and their operations. They also answered several questions regarding homelessness in the city.

Projects

The HLP Team, in collaboration with the City Attorney’s office, provided roll call training throughout the week for all field personnel. The recent SCOTUS ruling, which overturned 9th Circuit decisions related to enforcing encampment ordinances, was reviewed along with changes made to the city’s encampment ordinance. There was also information provided on what it means for field personnel moving forward.

Special Details

Members of the HLP Team and patrol officers conducted overtime operations in hotspots along Ocean Front Walk, 3rd St Promenade, the Beach, business corridors, and city parks.
The operations resulted in: periodic checks of 3rd St Promenade, Ocean Front Walk, all main parks city-wide and parking structures (1,2,4,5,6,7,8 and Ken Edwards Center), and 630 Wilshire Blvd; 17 written warnings (public camping, posted doorway and sit/lay on promenade); one encampment removed, two radio calls (encampment and Disturbance at a Business); one citation (adult in playground without a child); one arrest (drug violations and SMPD warrants); two pedestrian stops (trespassing and Wilshire Corridor); 6 field interviews and 17 consensual encounters.

Crime Impact Team (CIT)

Weekly Stats:

12 - Traffic Stops
10 - Ped Stops
3 - Bike Stops
1 - Felony Arrests
4 - Field Interviews
14 - Radio Calls

CIT assisted DART with a crime suppression operation targeting the beach, Ocean Front Walk, and Pier.

Special Deployments:

CIT conducted a crime suppression operation in the Pico Neighborhood and the following was the activity:

Traffic Stops – 5
Pedestrian Stops – 3
Field Interviews – 2

CIT conducted a crime suppression operation in Beat 3 and the following was the activity:

Traffic Stops – 2
Pedestrian Stops – 2
Field Interviews – 3

Incidents of note:

CIT officers observed several areas of new gang graffiti. The officers conducted investigative follow-up and have identified a possible suspect. The investigation is on-going.
An SMPD Property Crimes Detective shared information with CIT officers about a possible suspect and suspect vehicle involved in several grand theft crimes in Santa Monica. The vehicle information was entered into the Flock camera system to identify the driver. CIT officers were monitoring the Flock cameras and located the vehicle around Lincoln Boulevard and Pacific Street. They canvassed the area and located the vehicle traveling eastbound in the 800 block of Pico Blvd. CIT officers conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation and identified the driver who matched the description from several of the theft reports. The information was passed along to the detective whose investigation continues.
CIT was informed by the Community Affairs Unit of narcotics activity occurring around 17th St. and Michigan Ave. CIT officers contacted residents and gathered information regarding possible narcotic sales. This is an ongoing investigation.
CIT officers assisted Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives with locating a suspect wanted for Attempted Murder. CID learned the suspect was in the area adjacent to the VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles. CID coordinated with CIT officers to contact the suspect and take him into custody.
CIT officers conducted a consensual encounter at 16th St. / Santa Monica Blvd. with two subjects known to be sex registrants. Both are currently in compliance and Field Interviews were completed.

Directed Action Response Team (DART)

Weekly Stats:

20 - Arrests
21 - -FI’s
10 - Cites
3 - Encampments

Code Enforcement

78 - Contacts
40 - Verbal Warnings
14 - Citations

Notable Incidents:

Municipal Code Violation - 2000 Block of the Beach. DART officers contacted known homeless parolee for a violation of the municipal code. The subject’s parole officer was contacted, and a hold was issued.
Pedestrian Stop / Parolee Arrest – 1600 Block of Ocean Front Walk. DART Officers stop a subject on and learn he has an outstanding Parole Revocation Warrant (committing offense of carjacking). The subject was arrested without incident.
Disturbing the Peace – 400 Block of the Pier. DART officers responded to a call at the west end of the Pier for trespassing and disturbing the peace. The manager of the business was not desirous of prosecution. The subject was arrested for a $30k warrant out of SMPD. Known Parolee - 800 Block of Colorado Ave. DART officers contacted a subject known to be on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is also a sex registrant. The subject was in violation of the conditions of his parole and a hold was obtained. Battery Investigation - 1600 Block of the Beach. DART officers responded to a possible physical fight between vendors. Upon contacting both subjects, conflicting statements were obtained. Ultimately, the officers determined the confrontation over territory on the beach was verbal only. No battery occurred. Field Interviews were completed.
Pedestrian Stop / Warrant Arrest - 1700 Block of the Beach. DART officers contacted a homeless subject during a consensual encounter. The subject had a No Bail warrant from another state and was determined to be an out of compliance sex offender in California. The subject was arrested.
Municipal Code – 1500 Block of the Beach. DART officers contacted a subject for loitering under the Pier and having an encampment. The subject was a sex offender out of compliance with a $30K warrant out of Santa Monica.
Municipal Code Violation – 1500 Block of the Beach. DART Officers contacted a pedestrian underneath the Pier, a municipal code violation. During a search, officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. In addition, the subject had a $30K warrant for possession of dangerous drugs.
Battery – 1600 Block of the Beach. DART responded to call of a subject seen randomly starting fights. The suspect was detained and arrested for battery and being under the influence of drugs.

Community Affairs Unit (CAU)

Community Academy Week #6: HLP Team and Forensics

Beat 1 – NRO Hollowell CPC Barreto

NRO Hollowell has spent several weeks addressing issues of safety and communication in one of the Sea Colony communities. NRO Hollowell met with the residential manager to discuss recent trespassing incidents. During the meeting, NRO Hollowell clarified the protocol for handling such situations and helped clarify the role of the police in cases where private security intervenes without escalating to including law enforcement.
The manager appeared receptive to the explanation, and NRO Hollowell emphasized the importance of understanding the laws regarding trespassing. Additionally, NRO Hollowell reached out to other residents via phone in the building to ensure they are aware of the correct steps to take in the future including contacting the police directly when necessary.
Along with Chief Batista, NRO Hollowell attended the WilMont neighborhood group meeting at Reed Park, where residents received valuable information about contacting the Community Affairs Unit. The Chief also shared information about the department's Strategic Plan.

Beat 2 – NRO Navarro with CPC Barreto

NRO Navarro and NRO Galvan met with residents in an apartment complex in the 1200 Block of Pico Boulevard. Updates were given and a neighborhood watch meeting was tentatively scheduled for December.
NRO Navarro and NRO Galvan conducted Workplace Safety and Verbal De-Escalation Training at a business on Pico Boulevard.
NROs Navarro, Galvan, Wang, and Hollowell met with approximately twenty-five Starbucks administrators and mangers. NROs spoke individually with the Starbucks managers that worked their respective beats and exchanged information with their Law Enforcement Liaison personnel.
NRO Navarro received a complaint of homeless concerns in the 2400 block of Ocean Park Boulevard. A neighborhood watch meeting has been tentatively scheduled for the first week of December.

Beat 3 – NRO Galvan with CPC Barreto

NRO Galvan met with executives and security from Google regarding the opening of the Google store in the 1400 block of 3rd St. Promenade. The store is slated to open in February of 2025 and Google was enquiring about security measures, a security assessment, prosecution of theft, and merchant safety. Google will be contacting NRO Galvan for a merchant safety and active threat presentation prior to the store opening.

Beat 4 – NRO Wang with CPC Barreto

Property Walkthrough: NRO Wang assisted the HLP team with a walkthrough of a vacant property in the 1800 Block of California Avenue, where squatters had been residing. Two individuals were detained, and further investigation revealed they had signed a rental agreement under false pretenses with a neighbor posing as the landlord. NRO Wang contacted the out-of-state property owner to inform him of the situation. A report was taken, and further steps planned with Code Enforcement.
Meeting with Property Crimes: NRO Wang met with a detective to discuss a series of burglaries in the NOMA neighborhood. They reviewed details of the incidents, suspect descriptions, and the modus operandi. They also discussed which information could be shared with the public.
Montana Avenue Merchants Association Meeting: NRO Wang attended the Montana Avenue Merchants Association meeting where they discussed crime trends, recent statistics, changes within the organization, and upcoming events in the area.

Authored By

Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant

Authored By

Categories