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In a move aimed at bolstering safety and reinvigorating economic activity, Santa Monica is setting up a new police substation at Santa Monica Place Mall, city officials announced. This initiative is part of the City’s broader Realignment Plan, focusing on public safety and the revival of the downtown area. According to a statement from City Manager Oliver Chi, "this is about restoring confidence, safety, and vibrancy to our downtown." The substation will encompass an 863-square-foot space on the ground floor of the mall, a strategic location given its proximity to one of the busiest commercial districts in the city. Acting Police Chief Darrick Jacob remarked on the importance of the substation and an upgraded patrol model, stating, "This is about partnership, presence, and prevention." The facility is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) by serving as both a command center and a community engagement pillar. Under the Realignment Plan, downtown Santa Monica will see an increase in law enforcement visibility with measures such as doubling the Downtown Services Unit personnel and assigning additional patrol officers to provide layered coverage and quicker response times. Two Homeless Liaison Program officers will now be dedicated to the downtown sector to link up with outreach teams and facilitate services for the unserved individuals. Moreover, the plan calls for the incorporation of eight new Public Safety Officers who will handle non-emergency responses and assist both law enforcement and commerce-related demands. A significant feature of the substation will be fostering integrated partnerships. The facility will act as a coordination hub for numerous groups — including the Metro, the City’s Clean & Safe Ambassadors, and private security — to ensure an encompassing protective network spans across transit, shopping, and entertainment zones. The substation is also set to become a venue for community engagement, offering safety briefings, business walks, and events that deepen the interaction between police and the community they serve. The new substation is slated to open later this fall, with the complete establishment of the new patrol strategy progressing through early 2026. For further details on the City’s Realignment Plan and ongoing public safety efforts, interested parties can visit the City of Santa Monica’s official website.
