Internal Affairs Reports

Compliments & Complaints

SMPD strongly believes in a service oriented philosophy and have an exceptionally high performance standard for our personnel. Feedback from community members regarding the service we provide is an important measuring tool to monitor our performance as an organization. You have the right to make a complaint against a member of the Santa Monica Police Department for any improper conduct.  California law requires this agency to have a procedure to investigate complaints.  You have the right to a written description of this procedure. For more information, please visit the link below.

How to File a Complaint or Commend a Santa Monica Police Department Employee

The Right to Know Act (SB1421)

Effective January 1, 2019, California Senate Bill 1421 (SB1421) amended Cal. Penal Code Section 832.7 which generally made all peace and custodial officer personnel records and information confidential and exempt from disclosure, except by motion in a criminal, civil, or administrative action.  SB1421 created exceptions from those general confidentiality requirements.  Effective January 1, 2022, California Senate Bill 16 (SB16) again amended Cal. Penal Code Section 832.7, which expanded the exceptions to those general confidentiality requirements. SMPD has created an index of incidents meeting the release criteria specified in SB 1421 / SB 16 found here. 

Critical Incidents

The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to the law enforcement community. Every day, officers are involved in rapidly evolving interactions with members of the public and, when warranted, use reasonable force in carrying out their duties. This is especially true with respect to officers safeguarding the community and themselves from attacks and overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance of law enforcement duties.  Officers and their supervisors are responsible for understanding their authority and its limitations and appreciating the serious consequences of every use of force.

Critical Incident Community Debriefing Videos

Current California law requires police departments to release video and audio recordings of a critical incident within 45 days of the occurrence. 

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) understands that building and maintaining trust between the police department and the community requires openness and transparency in all matters, especially the use of deadly force by a police officer. On October 5, 2024, a Santa Monica police officer was involved in a fatal Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) with an armed subject in front of the police station.  To abide by state law and, most importantly, to ensure our community is engaged, the SMPD has created a Critical Incident Community Debriefing Video (CIV) to provide insight into and context for the OIS.

VIEWER ADVISORY: the following video contains graphic content, including violent assault footage and intense audio that may be distressing to some viewers. Discretion is strongly advised.