City Manager Oliver Chi has announced the appointment of Darrick Jacob as Santa Monica's next chief of police.
Jacob has served with the Santa Monica Police Department since 2004 and has been acting chief since August 2025. His appointment reflects more than two decades of service to the city and a leadership approach centered on accountability, professionalism and community trust.
"Chief Jacob is one of the most exceptional leaders that I have had the privilege of working with in my career," Chi said. "He brings deep institutional knowledge, exceptional judgment and a calm, values-driven approach to leadership."
Jacob's appointment is also significant for the department, as he is the first internal candidate selected to serve as Santa Monica's chief of police in more than 40 years.
During his tenure with SMPD, Jacob has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles, including deputy chief beginning in 2020. His experience spans patrol operations, investigations, organizational management and citywide public safety coordination. Prior to joining SMPD, Jacob served with the Northridge Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.
As acting chief, Jacob has refocused the department's operations around four core priorities: crime reduction, homelessness, traffic safety, and community and youth engagement.
A central component of Jacob's leadership approach is increasing officer visibility throughout the city, including a renewed emphasis on foot beats, bike patrols and high-visibility deployments in neighborhood, commercial and pedestrian-heavy areas.
"Our responsibility is not only to reduce crime, but also to address the fear of crime that impacts how people experience their city," Jacob said.
Under Jacob's leadership, the department has reached full sworn staffing for the first time in nearly two decades, supported by City Council approval of additional over-hire positions.
Chief Jacob holds a bachelor's degree in health science and a master's degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge.
His appointment is effective as of Dec. 14. He will be sworn into service Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. The public can view live on the City's YouTube channel.
Edited by SMDP Staff