The Santa Monica Police Officers' Association expressed gratitude and disappointment this week following the resignation of Police Chief Ramon Batista, praising his collaborative approach and significant contributions to the department over the past four years.
"Over the past 4 years, the SMPOA developed a professional working relationship with Chief Batista," the union stated in a release. "Labor and management do not always view issues through the same lens, but Chief Batista was open to listening, understanding, and finding solutions that worked."
The police union highlighted Batista's substantial impact during his tenure, particularly noting his success in increasing police officer staffing levels, focusing on officer wellness, and building for the future with the coming SMART Center. The association wished Batista "the best of luck as he transitions from SMPD into new roles" while pledging continued support for the department during the transition.
Batista announced his resignation Friday after nearly four years leading the department, citing philosophical differences with the "new administration." The 18th police chief in Santa Monica's 127-year history will step down October 4, with Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob named as acting chief to facilitate the transition.
In his resignation letter to new City Manager Oliver Chi, Batista indicated that his nearly 40 years of experience in public safety and policing and deeply held sense of justice appear to be at odds with demands set by the new administration. "In that light, the right path is to transition leadership here, as I look forward with purpose, conviction, and optimism to my next challenge," Batista wrote.
Notably, that paragraph was omitted from the letter released to the public announcing his resignation, with no clarification given as to why the two letters differ.
During his tenure, Batista oversaw significant improvements to the department. He rebuilt staffing from a critical low of 177 working officers in October 2021 to 231 sworn officers out of 233 authorized positions by 2024. The department hired 73 new officers in 2024, with 25% being women, increasing overall female representation to 15%.
The chief also implemented recommendations from the Office of Independent Review following events in 2020, launched new technology systems, and secured a $6 million grant to establish the city's first Real-Time Crime and Information Center. Under his leadership, the department responded to more than 128,000 calls for service in 2024 while making over 50,000 proactive contacts and achieving a 2% reduction in Part 1 Crime.
While praising Batista’s tenure, the Police Officers' Association expressed serious concerns about the pattern of leadership turnover affecting both city government and the police department. Since 2015, the City of Santa Monica has hired seven city managers – permanent, acting, or interim – while the Santa Monica Police Department will now experience its fifth transition in chiefs in nearly the same timeframe.
"The need for stable leadership is imperative for police officers to deliver the highest level of service to the community," the union emphasized in their statement, highlighting how frequent changes in leadership can impact departmental operations and officer morale.
Batista's departure marks the third senior staff resignation since Chi's hiring as city manager, following Heather Averick's departure as head of housing and human services and Doug Sloan's resignation from the City Attorney position.
Despite concerns about turnover, the police union expressed optimism about the future under the new city manager's leadership. "SMPOA is excited to see the leadership of the new City Manager unfold, along with the changes he will bring," the association stated.
The union indicated they expect to participate in the selection process for the next permanent police chief, noting that "the SMPOA anticipates being involved in the interviewing of the new candidates for Police Chief to ensure that all viewpoints are included in the selection process."
City Manager Chi praised the departing chief's service, stating, "I am grateful to Chief Batista for his service to Santa Monica and commend him for his many contributions. His dedication, kindness and vision have shaped our Police Department in positive ways."
Chi also expressed confidence in Acting Chief Jacob, who has served the department since 2004 and previously worked with the Northridge Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Jacob, a Navy veteran who has been deputy chief since 2020, holds degrees from California State University, Northridge.
The police union also said the support the Interim Chief
"Your police officers will continue to provide the best service possible with the resources available, and we give our full support to Chief Darrick Jacob during this transitional period,” they said.