Santa Monica Appoints First Internal Chief In Over 40 Years

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica has appointed its first internal chief in more than 40 years, city officials announced Friday.

Darrick Jacob, who has been with the department since 2004 and has been acting chief since August, was named as the city’s next chief of police, officials said.

“Chief Jacob is one of the most exceptional leaders that I have had the privilege of working with in my career,” City Manager Oliver Chi said in a written statement. “He brings deep institutional knowledge, exceptional judgment, and a calm, values-driven approach to leadership.”

In his time with the department, Jacob has worked “in a variety of leadership and operational roles, including Deputy Chief beginning in 2020,” officials said.

“His experience spans patrol operations, investigations, organizational management, and citywide public safety coordination,” officials said.

Before joining the Santa Monica Police Department, Jacob worked with the Northridge Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He is also a United States Navy veteran.

During his tenure as acting chief, Jacob has centered the department's operation around four priorities: crime reduction, homelessness, traffic safety, and community and youth engagement,” according to officials.

Jacob has also increased the department's visibility throughout the city, such as with “a renewed emphasis on foot beats, bike patrols, and high-visibility deployments in neighborhood, commercial, and pedestrian-heavy areas,” officials said.

“Our responsibility is not only to reduce crime, but also to address the fear of crime that impacts how people experience their city,” Jacob said in a written statement.

Under his guidance, the department has also “reached full sworn staffing for the first time in nearly two decades," which has paved the way for expanded patrol coverage and increased downtown presence, according to officials.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Jacob said. “Trust is built one interaction at a time, and every member of this department plays a role in building those relationships—with residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

Jacob’s appointment was effective as of Sunday, officials said, adding that he will be formally sworn in as chief on Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.