By Jorge Casuso

October 28, 2021 -- A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents concerned with crime found the vast majority favor increased foot patrols and clearing homeless encampments and are withholding judgment on the City's new police chief.

Conducted between October 21 and 27, the poll of about 165 "civically engaged" residents measured their reaction to a high profile attack by a homeless woman on a reality television contestant ("Homeless Attack in Santa Monica Makes International Headlines," October 19, 2021).

Ninety-one percent said the attack -- which garnered international headlines -- "should be a catalyst for city officials to reconsider their current approach to addressing crime and homelessness."

Another five percent said it shouldn't, while 4 percent weren't sure, according to the the ninth Santa Monica Pulse Poll conducted by the hotel union watchdog group Eyes on Local 11.

The brief poll sent via text then asked what changes should be made to the City's current approach to addressing crime and homelessness.

Given three options and asked to select "all that apply," 88 percent of respondents said the City should "clear out homeless encampments."

Seventy-seven percent chose "increased police patrols in the downtown area and the beach, especially overnight," while 29 percent said the City should "extend hours for (the) Ambassador program to early morning or night."

Another 47 percent chose other. Write-in suggestions included “constant guarding of parking structures,” hiring more police officers and increasing patrols across the city, and enforcing existing laws against camping.

The poll also asked respondents if they believe if the leadership of recently hired Police Chief Ramon Batista, who headed the force in Mesa, Arizona, will help decrease crime and homelessness.

Seven percent said yes, 16 percent said no and 78 percent said they were not sure ("Santa Monica Hires Former Mesa Police Chief Who Championed Reform," October 14, 2021).

"The new Police Chief in town could help set the city on a better path, but residents seem unsure of what his impact will be," the poll's sponsor said.

As with previous polls, the latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent to some 1,000 residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had a response rate of 16.5 percent.

Those who wish to be included in the next poll, should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com. To view the poll results click here