Santa Monica is putting more cops on the streets after a summer of violence hit the tourist hotspot — including two shootings in just two days.
Additional officers will patrol the Santa Monica Pier, beaches, parks, downtown and residential neighborhoods this week following a pair of public safety incidents over the weekend.
“Our responsibility is to protect everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Santa Monica. That means being present, visible, and accessible,” Police Chief Darrick Jacob said.
The city also plans to meet with downtown and Pier businesses to hear their concerns and provide safety resources.
“Our officers are on the Pier, in our parks, along the beach, throughout downtown, and in our residential neighborhoods, day and night. That presence builds trust, supports safety, and allows us to respond when our community needs us,” he continued.
The heightened police presence comes after a chaotic weekend.
Saturday, a knife-wielding man was shot and killed near the Santa Monica Pier after he allegedly charged toward officers.
The following day, a person was shot in the leg during an attempted robbery.
The violence comes after a string of deadly incidents that has put the normally tourist-packed city on edge.
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In mid-July, a man was fatally shot in a parking lot near the Pier. Police responding around midnight found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.
About a week later, a woman was beaten to death inside a residential care facility. She was attacked in a communal bathroom and found unresponsive.
The woman’s killing marked Santa Monica’s fifth homicide of 2026 — already surpassing the four homicides recorded during all of 2025.
City officials are now emphasizing visibility as they try to reassure residents and visitors that Santa Monica remains safe to visit.
Residents were invited to join officers for “Coffee with a Cop” at Pacific Park on the Pier on Tuesday, with another opportunity scheduled for Thursday.
The increased patrols will cover some of the city’s biggest tourist draws, including the Pier, beach and Palisades Park, as well as downtown and residential neighborhoods.
