Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista Resigns After Five Years

SANTA MONICA, CA – August 22, 2025 – Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista has announced his resignation, effective immediately, after serving as the city's top law enforcement officer since 2020. The announcement was made public during a brief press conference at City Hall on Friday afternoon, leaving city officials and residents reflecting on his tenure and the future of the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD).

Following in the tradition of other recent police chiefs and Santa Monica City Managers, Batista resigned as soon as his pension vested, i.e. after 5 years with the department.

Batista, who joined SMPD after a 30-year career with the Mesa Police Department in Arizona, cited personal reasons for his departure but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the department. "It has been an honor to serve the Santa Monica community alongside the dedicated men and women of SMPD," Batista said in a prepared statement. "I am proud of the progress we've made in enhancing public safety and building trust with our residents. However, after much reflection, I've decided it's time for me to step aside and pursue new opportunities."

During his five-year tenure, Batista oversaw significant initiatives, including community policing reforms, expanded mental health crisis response programs, and efforts to address rising concerns over homelessness and public safety in the coastal city. His leadership was praised for fostering collaboration between the department and local organizations, though it also faced scrutiny amid debates over policing practices and resource allocation.

City Manager David White acknowledged Batista's contributions, stating, "Chief Batista has been a steady and forward-thinking leader during a transformative period for Santa Monica. We respect his decision and wish him well in his future endeavors." White announced that an interim police chief will be appointed within the next week while the city conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

Batista's resignation comes at a time of transition for Santa Monica, as the city grapples with ongoing challenges such as crime prevention, homelessness, and economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community leaders expressed mixed reactions to the news. "Chief Batista brought a lot of positive changes, but there's still work to be done," said Maria Lopez, a local business owner and member of the Santa Monica Coalition for a Safer Tomorrow. "We hope the next chief builds on his efforts and listens to the community."

The Santa Monica Police Department, with approximately 230 sworn officers, serves a city of roughly 90,000 residents and millions of annual visitors. The department has been navigating a complex landscape of public safety demands, balancing tourism-driven needs with local concerns. Batista's departure has sparked discussions about the qualities and priorities the city should seek in its next police chief.

City officials have promised a transparent selection process for Batista's successor, with opportunities for public input. A timeline for the appointment of a permanent chief has not been specified, but the city emphasized its commitment to maintaining continuity in public safety operations.

As Santa Monica looks ahead, Batista's resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for the SMPD. His leadership, often described as pragmatic and community-focused, leaves a legacy that will shape the department's path forward.

For more information on the transition or to provide input on the police chief selection process, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Santa Monica's official website.