Kenneth Semko, Captain - Operations Division

Captain Ken Semko is a 25-year veteran of the Santa Monica Police Department.  He currently serves as the Captain and oversees the day to day operations of the Police Department. During his tenure, Captain Semko worked a variety of assignments including: Patrol, the Downtown Bicycle Team, the Crime Impact Team, the Homeless Liaison Program, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) he also served as a K-9 handler. In 2003, Captain Semko promoted to the rank of sergeant where he was instrumental in developing the Police Department's first explosive detection K-9 team.  Captain Semko has taught law enforcement audiences on the national stage; he is a subject matter expert on K-9 Program Management and Supervision. Promoted to Lieutenant in 2008, Captain Semko served as a Watch Commander and Executive Officer for the Special Enforcement Division.

In 2011, then Lieutenant Semko was selected to create the City's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) where he designed and oversaw the development of the City's state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center, implemented city-wide disaster preparedness training and recruited members for the City's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Lieutenant Semko served as the City's OEM Manager until his promotion to Police Captain in May 2013. Captain Semko is leader in law enforcement homeless engagement practices and has been instrumental in the development of innovative law enforcement protocols to address the rise in the homeless population in Los Angeles County.

Captain Semko is active in the Santa Monica community.  He volunteers with the American Cancer Society where he served as Santa Monica Relay for Life Chair; he also volunteers with the American Diabetes Association and California Junior Achievement.

Captain Semko holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership. Captain Semko is a graduate of California POST Command College, Northwestern University's Executive Management Program and Harvard University’s Senior Executive Program. Captain Semko successfully completed the California Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Manager Program and is a certified Emergency Manager Specialist.