06/03/2026
The Santa Monica Police Department celebrated the opening of its new Downtown Substation on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Santa Monica Place, marking an important step in the City’s continued commitment to public safety, visible presence, and downtown revitalization.
The Substation, located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 122, will serve as a public safety command center and community engagement hub in the heart of Santa Monica’s downtown corridor. The space supports the department’s Downtown Services Unit and provides a visible, accessible location for officers, public safety personnel, residents, visitors, and business partners.
The ribbon cutting brought together city leaders, department personnel, downtown stakeholders, and community members to recognize the collaborative work behind the project and the shared commitment to a safer, more welcoming downtown.
“This substation represents more than a physical space,” Chief Darrick Jacob said. “It represents presence, partnership, and accountability. It gives our officers and public safety personnel a stronger foothold in one of the busiest areas of our city and gives our community another place to connect with us directly.”
The Downtown Substation is part of the City of Santa Monica’s broader Realignment Plan, which focuses on four key public safety priorities: crime suppression, homelessness response, traffic safety, and community and youth engagement. The Substation strengthens the department’s ability to coordinate resources, respond quickly to emerging issues, and maintain consistent engagement with downtown businesses, visitors, and residents.
SMPD extends its appreciation to PRISM Places, DTSM Inc,, city leadership, and all community partners who helped make the substation possible.
The Downtown Substation will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet department personnel, and learn more about SMPD’s ongoing work downtown.
