By Jorge Casuso

December 17, 2025 -- Acting Police Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed as Santa Monica's next police chief, making him the first member of the force to be elevated to the top post in nearly half a century.

A 21-year veteran of SMPD, Jacob was appointed by City Manager Oliver Chi as acting chief on August 25, three days after Police Chief Ramon Batista abruptly resigned from the post.

Jacob informed his officers in an email Tuesday morning, saying he was "writing with immense gratitude and pride to share that I have been appointed as the next Police Chief for the City of Santa Monica.

"As I step into the permanent role, I do so with humility and a deep sense of purpose," Jacob wrote. "My vision is rooted in trust, transparency, and connection.

"I believe in a Department that not only enforces the law but also builds bridges -- within our ranks, with our community partners, and with every resident we serve.

"Together, we will continue to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and inclusion, where every voice matters and every officer feels supported and empowered," Jacob wrote (Chief Jacob's letter).

Lt. Cody Green, chairman of the Santa Monica Police Officers Association, said the union was "excited" by Jacob's selection.

"Chief Jacob’s 20 plus year history with the Santa Monica Police Department, and as a former Police Officers Association board member, make him the right fit at the right time," Green wrote in an email to The Lookout.

"The SMPOA is confident in Chief Jacob’s ability to position the Department in the right place with significant events on the horizon. We look forward to the changes he will implement and his collaborative leadership style."

As deputy chief of the department, Jacob's responsibilities "involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the SMPD," City Manager Chi said when he appointed Jacob as acting chief.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Jacob began his law enforcement career with the California State University, Northridge Police Department in 1996, before joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2001.

He was hired by the Santa Monica Police Department in 2004 as a police officer and served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Property Crimes Detective, City officials said.

Jacob was promoted to Sergeant in 2008, where he supervised Patrol, Personnel and Training, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, Police Dispatch, and Detectives.

In 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as Patrol Watch Commander, Operations Adjutant, Downtown Services Unit Commander, Homeless Liaison (HLP), and S.W.A.T. Commander.

Promoted to Captain in 2018, he commanded both the Patrol Operations Division and the Strategic Services Division. In 2020, he was promoted to Deputy Chief

Jacob becomes the first member of the Department to be promoted to the top post since James Keane became the City's police chief in 1979 after serving 22 years on the force.

Keane retired in 1991 and was replaced by James T. Butts, Jr., who was Deputy Police Chief in Inglewood when he was hired.

After Butts stepped down in 2006, the City has recruited all its new chiefs from other jurisdictions, including out of state.

Jacob becomes the 16th police chief who was initially recruited during Butts' tenure and the first hired by Santa Monica.

"He's a good guy," said Butts, who is mayor of Inglewood. "He's a brilliant police officer and very deserving of this post.

"I'm very proud to have known him," Butts said. "He'll be an excellent chief."