National Guard Military Police Deployed in Santa Monica to Assist SMPD Amid Palisades Fire Emergency

In response to the ongoing Palisades Fire, the 330th Military Police of the California National Guard have been deployed to Santa Monica to assist the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) in safeguarding the community. The National Guard units are stationed at key traffic control points throughout the city, ensuring emergency vehicles can move without obstruction and that public safety is upheld. SMPD Chief Ramon Batista underscored the importance of this collaboration: “Having the National Guard in our city and working side by side with the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department should send a strong message to those who would defy evacuation orders to prey on Santa Monicans in this moment of duress. Criminal actions will not be tolerated. Our officers are vigilant, and we are fully prepared to arrest and hold offenders accountable.” The deployment enhances SMPD’s capacity to maintain order during the emergency. Officers are proactively patrolling warning and evacuation zones, working closely with mutual aid partners, and ensuring a swift response to any emerging issues. Residents should be aware that there will be no entry into Pacific Palisades or any Los Angeles evacuation zone through Santa Monica checkpoints. SMPD thanks the community for their cooperation as they navigate this situation together, with safety remaining the top priority.