𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧: SMPD Opens New Downtown Substation at Santa Monica Place

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 28, 2026 — The Santa Monica Police Department officially opened its new Downtown Substation at Santa Monica Place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials, police personnel, business leaders, and community members.

Located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 122, the new facility will serve as a public safety command center and community engagement hub, supporting faster coordination with downtown partners, enhanced foot and bike patrol deployment, and direct access for residents, visitors, and businesses. The substation will serve the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Pier, and surrounding transit and pedestrian corridors.

Speaking during the ceremony, Police Chief Jacob said the project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and support downtown revitalization.

"We're bringing the police to the place where our business owners need it, where our residents shop, and where our visitors come right here in Santa Monica," Jacob said. He described the opening as a visible sign of what city leaders have called a "rebirth" and "renaissance" for Santa Monica's downtown district.

Jacob credited the City Council, city staff, Santa Monica Place, and downtown stakeholders for helping bring the project to fruition. He also recognized the work of the department's officers, Public Services Officers, Community Service Officers, communications personnel, and other staff who support public safety efforts throughout the city.

Mayor Caroline Torosis praised the new substation and its role in supporting economic recovery and public safety in Downtown Santa Monica.

"If we are going to have economic recovery that works for all of us, we absolutely have to have a presence downtown," Torosis said. She added that the facility demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for businesses, residents, and visitors. Torosis described the substation as a "force multiplier" for the downtown area and expressed support for increased police visibility as part of the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.

Following the ribbon cutting, Chief Jacob explained that officers assigned to the downtown area will be able to work directly from the substation rather than returning to police headquarters to complete reports, allowing for greater efficiency and a more visible police presence. He said the facility will support rapid responses to incidents, including retail thefts and other quality-of-life concerns, while helping reduce the fear of crime that can discourage people from visiting downtown.

The department said the Downtown Substation reflects SMPD's continued focus on its four public safety pillars: crime suppression, homelessness response, traffic safety, and community engagement. The facility is expected to serve as both an operational base and a direct point of contact between the department and the community.

Attendees at the event were also able to view department assets, including police bicycles and drone technology used to support daily operations.

Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting public safety initiatives and developments impacting Downtown Santa Monica.