Ramón Batista, Santa Monica's first-ever Latino police chief, announced his resignation less than four years into his tenure. Batista oversaw a drop in crime and increased police hiring while leading the department. He said nearly 40 years of public-safety experience, a deeply held sense of justice, and following both the spirit and letter of the law appeared at odds with demands from the new administration. He set his final day for Oct. 4, two weeks before his four-year anniversary as chief. City Manager Oliver Chi thanked Batista and named Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob acting chief; Jacob has more than 20 years with the department and oversees daily operations. Chi did not provide a timeline for a permanent replacement.
"My nearly 40 years of experience in public safety and policing, my deeply held sense of justice, and following not only the spirit, but the letter of the law, appear to be at odds from demands set by the new administration," . "In that light, the right path is to transition leadership here, as I look forward with purpose, conviction, and optimism to my next challenge."
The city manager also noted that Santa Monica Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob would serve as acting police chief. Chi said Jacob had served the department for more than 20 years, with responsibilities including overseeing daily operations. "I am supremely confident that our staff, the police department, and the entire community will be well served by Acting Chief Jacob," Chi said.
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