September 4, 2025

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista Resigns

News Summary

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista has announced his resignation, effective October 4, due to philosophical differences with the new city leadership. Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed as the acting police chief. Batista, with nearly 40 years of experience in policing, led successful initiatives during his tenure, including an increase in police staffing and the launch of a new computer-aided dispatch system. His departure reflects broader changes within the city’s administration under City Manager Oliver Chi.

Santa Monica – Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista has announced his resignation, effective October 4, after nearly four years in the position. Batista cited “philosophical differences” with the new city leadership under City Manager Oliver Chi and the incoming City Council as the primary reason for his departure.

In light of Batista’s resignation, Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed as the acting police chief to ensure a smooth transition for the department. City Manager Chi has clarified that the City Council holds no authority to intervene in personnel matters concerning the Police Chief, indicating that the administration will proceed independently following Batista’s exit.

Having nearly 40 years of experience in public safety and policing, Batista expressed that his extensive background in law enforcement clashed with the current administration’s objectives. During his tenure, he achieved notable accomplishments, including increasing police staffing from 177 officers in October 2021 to a projected 231 officers by 2024. This increase included the hiring of 73 new officers in 2024, with 25% of these positions filled by women, thereby raising female representation in the department to 15%.

Other significant initiatives during Batista’s leadership encompassed the successful implementation of recommendations from the Office of Independent Review, as well as the launch of a new computer-aided dispatch system. Under his oversight, the Santa Monica Police Department received a $6 million grant, facilitating the establishment of the city’s first Real-Time Crime and Information Center.

Statistically, the department managed over 128,000 calls for service in 2024 and conducted more than 50,000 proactive contacts, leading to over 2,800 arrests. Batista’s leadership also marked a 2% reduction in Part 1 Crime, supporting the expansion of the Crime Impact Team and the Homeless Liaison Team to provide better services throughout the week.

Batista introduced programs such as the Directed Action Response Team (DART) which specifically targeted fire safety, crime, and disorder issues at Santa Monica Pier. His management during critical incidents—including the Palisades fires and various public protests—was acknowledged for its effectiveness.

Mayor Lana Negrete praised Batista for his service, specifically highlighting his contributions towards community safety and the expansion of police operations throughout the city. Notably, he was sworn in as the only appointed Latino police chief in Santa Monica’s history on October 18, 2021, further breaking barriers within the city’s law enforcement leadership.

Following Batista’s departure, Acting Chief Jacob, who has over 20 years of service within the Police Department and has served as Deputy Chief since 2020, is expected to lead the department moving forward. Batista’s resignation is part of a broader trend, reflecting other recent departures among senior city staff since the hiring of City Manager Oliver Chi, indicating a period of transition for Santa Monica’s city governance and administration.

This change in leadership at the Santa Monica Police Department marks a significant shift not only for the department but also for the city as it navigates evolving community safety standards and administrative expectations. Further developments are anticipated as the City Council and new administration outline their priorities for law enforcement and public safety in the months to come.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER

The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.