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Santa Monica Police Department
1995 Annual Report
Introduction
The City of Santa Monica experienced a 9.2% decline in Part I Crime during calendar
year 1995, marking the second consecutive year with a significant reduction. Calendar year
1994 showed an 18.4% decrease when compared to 1993. The decline in crime is also
noteworthy for a second reason. The 8,069 Part I crimes are the fewest number in any
calendar year dating back to the total of 7,399 in 1974. The specific crimes making up the
Part I crime index are discussed in detail in the chapter entitled "Santa Monica
Crime Statistics."
The Department significantly expanded its Community Oriented Policing with the opening
of the Pier Substation on August 31. The substation, staffed by Community Service Officers
(CSO's) and cadets, is also the headquarters for the Homeless
Liaison Program (HLP) officers. As an added service, a telephonic reporting system was
instituted September 15 which allows citizens the convenience of reporting certain
offenses by telephone. The reports are taken by the CSO's as they work the citizen
counter. The Substation's opening was timed to pre-date the opening of Pacific Park in May
1996. Staff acted with the knowledge that the new park and other attractions on the Pier
will significantly increase demands on police services. With added crowds, including those
inclined to violence and criminal activity, lessees and the pier community needed to count
on a visible police presence to create the perception and reality of a safe and friendly
environment. In the short period of time it has been open, the substation has proven to be
an asset for information and reporting. Through year end, personnel handled 137 reports,
gave information to 1,136 people and received 86 calls for service.
After many years of planning, the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) system was implemented.
MDT's were placed in patrol vehicles and training for all sworn and civilian personnel who
use the vehicles was completed. A detailed MDT manual as well as a simplified "cheat
sheet" for field personnel were created. The system allows officers to obtain timely
automated information while remaining in their cars. It also enhances confidential and
detailed communication capabilities between dispatchers and police officers. The Police Citizen's Academy, a program in which
members of the community are invited to participate in a 11-week training course, was
implemented. Coordinated by the Community
Relations Section, each class is taught by Department employees. The curriculum ranges
from an overview of the Department's mission statement to a close look at the
responsibilities and functions of the various operational units. The first two classes
graduated during 1995.
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