Santa Monica Police Will Increase Patrols Ahead Of Election Day

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica residents can expect to see an increased police presence ahead of Election Day starting as early as this week, officials said in a news release Monday.

Officials are on alert, working to avoid another incident like what happened in the city on May 31, when unrest broke out across Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

"The Santa Monica Police Department places the highest priority on public safety and understands there may be concerns about the possibility of any kind of disruption during the week of our national elections," officials said. "Currently, we have no intelligence to indicate Santa Monica will be a place of unrest. However, we also know that things can change rapidly and are actively monitoring the situation."

Authorities are working with local police agencies to prepare for any unrest surrounding the election, police said.

"The City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Police Department have plans in place that include a robust staffing model and have coordinated with the Office of Emergency Management to have an activation plan for the entire City," according to a news release. "The police department will be working closely with our city partners throughout the next few weeks to ensure we provide the highest level of public safety.

"There are very strict guidelines when in terms of police presence at polling locations," officials said. "The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will be working with the LA County Registrar’s Office to handle security issues at ballot boxes and polling locations. It is our job to support the process and ensure everyone participates without consternation about our voting system."

Starting on Oct. 30 residents can expect an elevated police presence throughout the city.

"Our visibility should not cause alarm and is dedicated to swiftly intercede with any type of criminal activity," officials said.

Some local businesses and residents have asked about adding boards or securing the buildings in Santa Monica, police said. Businesses had boarded up and secured their locations during unrest on May 31. Many businesses were damaged, some looted and others set on fire.

"We have received questions about reinforcing storefronts," police said. "As a Police Department, we cannot tell business what to do when it comes to boarding up. However, we understand the need to feel secure and we respect your decisions on how to handle your day to day operations. If you choose to board up your business or want to have the materials ready to do so, we support you."

Police encourage people to sign up for city alerts.

"If things change, we will be working with our city partners and media outlets to get the word out as quickly as possible," officials said. "To stay informed with the latest information, we strongly urge you to register for the City emergency alert system, email outreach, and/or follow the City’s official social media channels."

In nearby Beverly Hills, city officials announced they will likely shut down Rodeo Drive.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the police.

"If you have any information you feel is useful to the Santa Monica Police Department, please
contact us at police.intelligence@smgov.net," police said.

"We are actively monitoring and carefully vetting all information we receive," police said.

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