Police Prepare For Possible Unrest After Chauvin Trial

SANTA MONICA, CA — As Minneapolis prosecutors and defense make closing arguments Monday in the murder trial against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, Santa Monica Police Department shared a statement saying that authorities are monitoring the situation and at this time no specific intelligence of any unrest or criminal activity is happening or planned in Santa Monica.

"We understand that the community may have some concerns of potential civil unrest or other related criminal activity," police said in a statement. "Within the past couple of weeks our Executive Staff has been meeting with the City’s Neighborhood Associations and Business Improvement Districts via video conferences to further explain, answer questions, and hopefully put those concerns at ease. Our goal is to continue to regularly provide updates to our residents, businesses, and visitors so they are reassured that we are prepared. As you will notice in the Chief’s message, we started a gradual increase in the deployment of our field-based personnel this past weekend. Again, at this time we have NO specific intelligence of any unrest or similar type of criminal activity occurring or planned to occur in our city."

Santa Monica police plan to follow the trial in Minnesota closely.

"As always, we are committed to working with our city and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our community," police said.

After closing statements Monday, the 12 members of the jury will be sequestered away from friends and family until they make a unanimous decision on the charges.

Chauvin faces third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder charges in George Floyd's Memorial Day 2020 death.

The department has increased the number of people on its intelligence unit, conducting trainings and increasing safety equipment inventory, according to the SMPD.

"We understand the importance of our community exercising their First Amendment right and expressing themselves peacefully. We wish to definitely help facilitate that," police said in a statement. "We will not tolerate any violence, looting or any other form of criminal activity."

Police plan to communicate and collaborate with local, regional and federal law enforcement partners, police said. An operational plan is also prepared in case an incident happens and the department has increased the number of officers throughout the city.

Police also shared an Emergency Preparations checklist prepared by Downtown Santa Monica Inc.

Watch Interim Chief of Police Jacqueline Seabrooks share a message on public safety and unrest:

"This is the latest in a series of public safety communications which allow me to speak more directly with you about the Police Department’s preparedness based on concerns happening in the broader environment," Seabrooks said. "Since my last message, our general sensitivities continue to be affected by the senseless deaths of Mr. George Floyd, and more recently, Mr. Daunte Wright."

"The women and men of the Santa Monica Police Department share in the collective disappointment these circumstances evoke," Seabrooks said. "We also recognize that these circumstances give rise to a strong sentiment that peaceful assembly is essential to promote systemic change. Because peaceful assembly, as expressive conduct, is protected by the First Amendment, the Santa Monica Police Department is committed to assisting and facilitating in this peaceful freedom of expression."

Seabrooks shared what the department has done to prepare for possible unrest in response to business owners, who have asked the department what they are prepared to do in case of an emergency. In Santa Monica, at least 200 businesses were damaged during a chaotic afternoon and night of looting stores and fires that badly destroyed some businesses in the downtown area on May 31, 2020.

"Looking ahead, as the City begins to slowly reopen, I ask that if you see suspicious activity, please let us know," Seabrooks said. "You can report suspicious activity by calling (310) 458-8491 and speak with a public safety dispatcher. And, as always, life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 9-1-1."

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