City Manager Chi praised Batista’s leadership, stating, “His dedication and vision have positively shaped our Police Department.”

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramón Batista announced his resignation late Friday, August 22 after nearly four years leading the department, city officials said. Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed acting chief, effective immediately, to guide the department through the transition.

Batista, who joined the Santa Monica Police Department in 2021 from Mesa, Arizona, submitted his resignation to City Manager Oliver Chi and shared a public letter addressing the community. During his tenure, Batista oversaw the recruitment of numerous new officers, implemented a departmental strategic plan, and contributed to regional efforts to address retail theft.

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