Santa Monica Police Department Conducts Special Crime Suppression Operation in High-Crime Areas

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Santa Monica Police Department's Directed Action Response Team (DART) coordinated a special crime suppression operation in collaboration with several local and outside agencies. The operation was designed to address high-crime areas in Santa Monica, including the beach, Pier, downtown business district (DTSM), and downtown parks.

In addition to DART, the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) and Special Problems Unit (SPU) participated in the operation. They were supported by two outside agency teams: the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation’s Community Violence Reduction Team (which included 8 investigators and 1 supervisor) and the Los Angeles County Probation Department (with 1 officer). The multi-agency task force was deployed in Multi-Utility Vehicles, beach trucks, and patrol cars.

During the operation, the LA County Probation officer provided crucial support, securing two probation holds for violations that emerged during investigations. The coordinated efforts led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of weapons and narcotics, improving public safety across the targeted areas.

*Notable Arrest:*
A team of DART officers and LA County District Attorney's investigators conducted a routine check of Tongva Park, near the children's play area. During a consensual encounter, one subject was found in possession of a dirk/dagger and methamphetamine. The second individual was also in possession of methamphetamine. Both subjects were arrested as a result of the encounter.

*Operation Statistics:*
*Arrests:* 14 total
4 felony arrests, including three for possession of a dirk/dagger and one for a no-bail felony parole warrant
10 misdemeanor arrests
*Citations:* 11
*Field Interviews:* 13

Among the arrests was a parolee at Palisades Park, who was taken into custody by SMPD officers for suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and an outstanding warrant.

This operation is part of an ongoing series of special crime suppression efforts in Santa Monica, with the goal of enhancing public safety by reducing crime in high-risk areas.

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Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning accredited photojournalist and press photographer based in Santa Monica, is renowned for his captivating imagery and storytelling. As the creator of Santa Monica Closeup, he draws on years of experience with local media outlets like the Santa Monica Daily Press and The Corsair to capture iconic moments in the city's history.

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