1111 W. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455
www.joinsantamariapd.com
ANNUAL REPORT
Attachment A
CONTENTS
T A B L E O F
3 THECITY
Overview
1 THEDEPARTMENT
OpeningMessage
4 CHIEF’SMESSAGE
Overview
7 ADMINISTRATION
Overview
11 OPERATIONS
Overview
17 SUPPORT
Overview
33 POLICECOUNCIL
DonationsOverview
27 COLLATERALASSIGNMENTS
Overview
34 RETIREMENTS
Overview
The Santa Maria Police Department strives to protect and serve all who visit, work, or reside in the City of Santa Maria, by providing professional police services through community partnerships. Under a philosophy of community and constitutionally based policing, the department strives to maintain trust and deliver exceptional service to promote public safety and reduce crime. The department offers a full range of professional police services, such as patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention and awareness, and many others. The department’s policing philosophy promotes strength through interaction and mutual respect in partnership with the community to improve the quality of life for all persons within the City of Santa Maria.
1 2
Mayor
Alice Patino
InterimCity Manager
Alex Posada
City Councilmember
Carlos Escobedo
District 1
City Councilmember
Mike Cordero
District 2
City Councilmember
Gloria Soto
District 3
City Councilmember
Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez
District 4
The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with 10 departments and a dedicated staff with over 700, a City Council/City Manager form of government, and a biennium operating budget of approximately $291 million. Additionally, Santa Maria is home to thriving industries including aerospace, communications, hightech research and development, energy production, military operations, and manufacturing. Santa Maria Valley residents enjoy amenities such as, world-class wineries, a vibrant cultural scene, top-tier rodeo, rolling hills, and 12 miles of Pacific coastline with the state’s tallest beach dunes. These attractions and more make the Santa Maria Valley an ideal place to live, work, and do business. www.ci tyofsantamar ia.org
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It is my honor to present the Santa Maria Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report. Over the past year, our department responded to more than 91,000 calls for service, generated over 17,000 reports, and carried out thousands of arrests and citations. But beyond the numbers, our true measure of success lies in the quality of service we provide to those who live, work, and play in Santa Maria.
I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, compassion, and dedication shown by the men and women of this department. The Police Department staff care deeply about this community, and they strive every day to deliver extraordinary service.
Thank you for your continued support—it is a privilege to serve you.
A MESSAGE FROM COMMANDER DANIEL COHEN, SERVING AS
INTERIM CHIEF AFTER THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF MARC SCHNEIDER:
-Daniel Cohen
Interim Chief
CHIEF OF POLICE
MARC SCHNEIDER
COMMANDER
JESSE SILVA
COMMANDER
ELIGIO LARA 5
COMMANDER/
INTERIM CHIEF
DANIEL COHEN
LIEUTENANT
PAUL VAN MEEL
LIEUTENANT
WOODROW VEGA
LIEUTENANT
NATHAN TOTORICA
SERGEANT II
TODD LOGAN
LIEUTENANT
ANDY MAGALLON
BUSINESS PROGRAM LEADER
(ADMINISTRATION)
SARA PEET
BUSINESS PROGRAM LEADER
(TRAINING)
CHRISTINA ALVAREZ
LIEUTENANT
DANIEL RIOS
6 The Department’s Administration Division is composed of the Chief of Police, an Administrative Commander, a Business Program Leader, two Administrative Assistants, and an Office Assistant. This team is responsible for managing the department’s budget, recruitment, professional standards, risk management, and succession planning. Additionally, the Records Bureau, Training Bureau, and Crime Analyst report directly to the Administrative Commander.
ADMINISTRATION
7 Facilitated 9,165 training hours for department staff. This is a 23% increase over 2023’s total training hours.
Continued the implementation and conversion to the web-based training program. This is still a work in progress, however, the efficiency of the program has been critical for department-wide training and the field training program.
Managed 45 applicant background investigations for sworn and professional staff positions.
Onboarded new department employees.
Managed the Police Recruits at the Allan Hancock Police Academy.
Training Bureau
The Training Bureau, made up of a Sergeant, Business Program Leader, and Office Assistant, handles all training coordination and records for department staff. They ensure compliance with POST mandates and best practices, oversee recruitment for sworn and professional positions, manage the Field Training Program for new officers, maintain the department’s policy manual, and lead emergency preparedness efforts. 8 The Records Bureau consists of a Police Records supervisor and ten Police Record Technicians. The Records Bureau’s primary responsibility is to maintain and distribute law enforcement records. Records Technicians are also responsible for registering criminal offenders (sex/arson/gang), processing various applications, fingerprinting members of the public (Live Scan), processing Public Records Requests, and reporting crime statistics to the FBI. Records Technicians are often the face of the department as they assist community members at the lobby counter. In 2024, the Records Bureau processed 17,550 police reports in addition to thousands of citations.
Records Bureau
9 The Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) takes a data-driven approach to identify crime patterns, trends, and hot spots, aiding in crime prevention and reduction. They conduct daily reviews of major case reports, assist officers and detectives with investigations, and analyze intelligence data to connect local crimes to broader incidents. Additionally, the unit extracts and delivers timely crime data to support the Department’s operational and administrative needs.
Crime Analysis Unit
In 2024, the Crime Analysis Unit processed 309 crime data requests and produced 426 tactical crime bulletins. Additionally, the unit successfully facilitated the implementation and completion of the online reporting/DORS project.
PART I CRIME TOTALS 2023 2024
Homicide
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Burglary
Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
6 3
63 73
172 198
428 469
424 332
893 1150
751 474
Arson 26 74
Total Part I Crimes 2763 2773
10 The Operations Division stands as the department's largest and most recognizable unit, ensuring round-the-clock coverage across the city's 23.5 square miles, serving a population of nearly 111,000 people. As a vital pillar of police services, this division actively engages with the community. In 2024, the department effectively responded to 91,335 calls for service, averaging 250 calls each day.
The deployment of police officers is strategically tailored to address the specific needs of varying geographic areas based on crime trends and the frequency of calls for service. This approach considers the days and times when incidents occur and acknowledges the unique quality-of-life challenges faced by residents. The department is committed to working collaboratively with the community to develop sustainable solutions for ongoing neighborhood conflicts, fostering a safer and more cohesive environment for all.
OPERATIONS
11 The Patrol Bureau serves as the foundation of all police services. Officers are highly trained and recognize that their foremost responsibility is to provide exemplary service to the community. Officers consistently strive for excellence, carrying out their duties with competence, compassion, and professionalism.
In 2024, a total of 65 police officer positions were allocated to the Patrol Bureau, which include one K9 officer, 11 Sergeants, three Lieutenants and one Sergeant II. The Lieutenants and Sergeant II serve as Watch Commanders on various shifts, while the Sergeants provide direct supervision to the officers, both in the field and at the station.
The primary responsibility of the uniformed patrol officers is to respond to calls for service from the community. They address a range of situations, including in-progress crimes, emergencies, non-emergency investigations, and requests for assistance. In addition, patrol officers engage in proactive enforcement throughout the city fostering relationships with community members in a variety of settings and events.
PATROL BUREAU
12 The Traffic Unit is comprised of a supervisor and five motor officers with a mission to reduce the loss of life, injury, and property damage caused by traffic collisions.
In 2024, the Santa Maria Police Department's Traffic Unit continued to make significant strides in enhancing road safety through a comprehensive approach that includes enforcement, education, and engineering. The unit has focused on direct traffic enforcement in high-priority areas to reduce violations and improve overall safety. It has also expanded its public education efforts, working closely with civic groups and other city departments to raise awareness of safe driving practices. Additionally, the Traffic Unit has addressed traffic concerns through engineering solutions, ensuring safer roadways for the community. In investigating traffic incidents, including injury accidents and fatalities, the unit has remained committed to identifying causes and implementing measures to prevent future accidents.
TRAFFIC UNIT
13 COLLISIONS 2024
TOTAL
Fatal
Injury
Property Damage
1844
8 362
1482
CITATIONS 2024
TOTAL
DUI
Cell Phone
Seat Belt
5719
943
587
7 2024 TRAFFIC STATISTICS
14 The K-9 Unit, consisting of an Officer and his canine partner, K-9 Odin, plays a vital role in supporting patrol officers and responding to inprogress crimes. K-9 Odin, a five-year-old Shepherd-Malinois mix, is highly trained in suspect apprehension and firearm detection. Officer Kulp and K9 Odin have been partners for over two years, making a significant impact on community safety.
In 2024, the team was deployed 71 times, assisting with suspect apprehensions and firearm-related searches. Their work contributed to key arrests and evidence collection:
58 suspect apprehensions
14 firearm-related searches, with 2 yielding firearms evidence leading to arrests in violent crimes
Beyond their calls for service, Officer Kulp and K-9 Odin dedicated over 250 hours to on-duty training and proactive patrol activities. They also engaged with the community events. The K-9 Unit continues to enhance public safety, and the department looks forward to the program’s continued success and potential expansion.
K-9 UNIT
15 The Santa Maria Police Department Explorer Post #115 is made up of local youth, ages 14-20, interested in law enforcement careers. The program provides hands-on training, competitions, and mentorship, fostering teamwork, character, and a strong work ethic.
In 2024, the Post consisted of 10 Explorers and 3 Police Advisors, competing in one event where they earned multiple team and individual awards. They also volunteered 600+ hours at community events, assisting with traffic control, event admittance, and the local Peace Officer Memorial.
This year, one Explorer successfully graduated the program, completed the hiring process, and joined SMPD as an officer. We are proud of our Explorers and look forward to their continued success!
EXPLORER PROGRAM
16 The Support Division encompasses the Detective Bureau, Crime Lab, Property/Evidence Unit, Community Services Unit, and Communications Center.
SUPPORT
The Support Division encompasses the Detective Bureau, Crime Lab, Property/Evidence Unit, Communications Center, and Community Services Unit.
17 The Detective Bureau serves as the Police Department’s primary investigative section and is tasked with investigating criminal cases, identifying/apprehending offenders, and preparing cases for prosecution.
The team is comprised of three supervisors, 14 criminal investigators, three civilian investigators, and one part-time investigative consultant. The team members are assigned to one of the five units within the bureau: Violent Crime Unit, Special Victims Unit, Property Crime Unit, Gang Investigation Unit, and High-Tech Crimes Unit.
DETECTIVE BUREAU
Detective Bureau was assigned 1,361 cases for criminal investigation.
Submitted 730 cases were submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Conducted 102 operations ranging from warrant services to special operations.
Arrested 65 individuals related to major investigations. 18 The Crime Lab is tasked with the responsibility of identifying and gathering evidence at major crime scenes and processing that evidence in the department's crime lab. Lab personnel provide forensic investigative support to uniformed officers and detectives while partnering with State and Federal agencies.
57 TOTAL REPORTS 326
CASINGS SENT TO
NIBIN
FBI HITS
ITEMS PROCESSED
182
61 449
VEHICLES PROCESSED 55
LATENT PRINT CASES
LATENT COMPARISONS
FIREARMS PROCESSED
177
23,760
112
CRIME LAB
19 INCOMING EVIDENCE 8,781
INCOMING FOUND
PROPERTY
INCOMING SAFEKEEPING
PROPERTY
INCOMING PROPERTY
FOR DESTRUCTION
369
1,139
236
OUTGOING EVIDENCE 6,217
OUTGOING FOUND
PROPERTY
OUTGOING
SAFEKEEPING PROPERTY
OUTGOING PROPERTY
FOR DESTRUCTION
356
1,092
105
The Property & Evidence Unit is tasked with storing of property and evidence, preserving the chain of custody, discovery requests, and purging once cases have reached their final resolution.
PROPERTY & EVIDENCE UNIT
20 The Community Services Unit consists of a supervisor and a team of 16 who work in one of the following areas: Beat Coordinator, School Resource Officer, Police Services Technician, Mental Health Officer, Police Cadets, and Outreach Coordinator. The unit organizes and runs various community events throughout the year.
To highlight a few:
COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT
Community Academy
National Night Out
Cops N Cars Car Show (1st Annual)
Mission Hope Fundraisers
Coffee with a Cop
Teen and Youth Academy
Shop with a Cop
Read Across America
21 The city is divided into three beats, each with a Beat Coordinator (BC) who addresses quality of life issues and community concerns. BCs collaborate with residents, businesses, non-profits, and city departments, and also help coordinate events and assist with street cleanup and debris removal efforts in Santa Maria.
BEAT COORDINATORS
The Police Service Technicians (PSTs) are a team of seven professional staff led by a PST Lead who manages daily operations. They support the Patrol Bureau by handling crime reports, traffic collisions, evidence processing, and parking issues citywide. PSTs also assist with community outreach events throughout the year.
POLICE SERVICE TECHNICIANS
22 Our two School Resource Officers are each assigned to one of the two high schools in the city and work closely with the school administrator to create a safe environment for both students and staff.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The team includes a sworn officer and a mental health clinician from Behavioral Wellness. They handle cases involving mental health crises, suicide prevention, and substance use, aiming to divert individuals from the justice system into treatment. Their work includes de-escalation, initial assessments, referrals, service connections, and follow-ups to support ongoing care and prevention.
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
POLICE CADETS
The Police Cadet position is designed for college-enrolled youth between the ages of 18 and 21. Cadets gain hands-on experience by learning the fundamentals of law enforcement through the Police Service Technician role. This position offers a pathway to future success by preparing cadets for entry-level hiring into the police academy. We recently had our first cadet graduate from the academy, and they are now working through our Field Training Program.
23 The Outreach Coordinator’s primary role is to engage, cultivate, and foster partnerships between the community and the police department. This includes coordinating the department’s participation in various community events throughout the year. Additionally, the Outreach Coordinator manages the department’s social media content on Instagram, Facebook, and X, using these platforms to inform, educate, and raise awareness on various topics. Beyond community outreach, the role also involves organizing internal department events such as the employee awards luncheon, badge pinning’s, and other special ceremonies that recognize and support department personnel.
OUTREACH COORDINATOR
SOCIAL MEDIA STATISTICS
Facebook 2024 Instagram 2024
2024: 49,000
2025: 50,200
January 2024 -------> January 2025
2024: 6,936
2025: 7,600
2024: 4,034
2025: 4,065
Facebook 2025
49,000
50,200
6,936
7,600
4,034
4,065
Instagram 2025
X 2024
X 2025
@SMPDHQ
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AFEW2024COMMUNITYOUTREACHEVENTS
The Communications Center provides 24/7 dispatch services for the Police and Fire Departments, as well as for the City of Guadalupe.
Dispatchers are responsible for answering and prioritizing incoming 911 calls, non-emergency calls, and administrative inquiries. In 2024, the Center's personnel managed a total of 199,251 incoming and outgoing calls using state-of-the-art technology.
The Communications Center consists of 13 Dispatchers, one per diem Dispatcher, and four Lead Dispatchers, who serve as the first-line supervisors for each shift. This team regularly undergoes updates and training to stay current with the systems and technology relevant to their profession. Dispatchers utilize various programs and applications daily to assist both the public and in-house personnel. In 2024, the Dispatch Team achieved significant milestones in career development.
They attended training sessions and conferences such as CAL NENA to stay up to date with P.O.S.T. mandates and enhance their expertise in the field. Additionally, three Dispatchers were selected to join the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT).
The department also launched a new program called AXON, which dispatchers use alongside the FLOCK system to support officers in the field. Beyond these tools, dispatchers continue to work with a range of other applications, including Rapid Deploy, Rapid SOS, CLETS, CAD, and ESCARS.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
25 CALLS FOR SERVICE
Fire Guadalupe PD
Guadalupe Fire
607
City Rangers/Code
Enforcement
4,031
Allan Hancock PD
74 TOTAL CALLS
FOR SERVICE
CREATED:
130,074
3,050
13,428
26 Santa Maria Police Department
91,335
Total Reports Taken
17,549
27 COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENTS
Collateral police assignments are specialized roles that support the department’s mission and enhance both officer readiness and community engagement. These assignments allow officers to contribute their unique skills to focused areas of need within the agency:
Mounted Unit–Provides visibility and engagement at public events.
Crisis Negotiation Team–De-escalates critical incidents through communication.
SWAT–Handles high-risk, tactical operations.
Honor Guard–Represents the department at ceremonies and memorials.
Mobile Field Force–Manages crowd control and public disturbances.
Range Unit–Maintains firearms training and readiness.
Arrest & Control Team–Ensures safe apprehension of suspects.
Unmanned Aerial Systems Team- Supports innovation and teamwork through drone design and flight.
Peer Support Team–Promotes officer wellness and mental health.
Wellness Committee-Promotes well-being through health-focused initiatives.
These specialized roles strengthen the department’s ability to serve and protect the community effectively.
MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT
In 2024, the Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU) expanded from two to four officers, increasing opportunities for community engagement. Each officer volunteers for this assignment, personally owning and funding their horse’s care. The MEU deploys one day a month for community engagement and crime prevention, along with a 10-hour monthly training day.
CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM
28 The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is comprised of 11 officers, two sergeants and one lieutenant all trained in crisis management by the FBI.
The team works to safely resolve critical incidents through active communication with suicidal individuals, barricaded suspects, and hostage-takers. All members meet FBI standards, with several attending nationally recognized courses to remain current on tactics and best practices.
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM
HONOR GUARD
29 The SWAT Team’s mission is to save lives during high-risk incidents such as armed suspects, hostage situations, and warrant service. The 21- member team—made up of officers, sergeants, and a lieutenant—has specialized roles like tactical commander, breacher, and sniper. SWAT works closely with the Canine Unit, UAS Team, and Crisis Negotiation Team to prioritize de-escalation. Members train 20 hours each month in addition to department-wide training.
The SMPD Honor Guard performs ceremonial duties at civic events within the Department, throughout Santa Maria, and at the request of outside agencies. The unit consists of 10 officers and four sergeants, training quarterly and following ceremonial protocols modeled after the U.S.
Marine Corps. The team takes great pride in honoring the law enforcement community through their service.
MOBILE FIELD FORCE
RANGE- FIREARMS TRAINING UNIT
30 The 17-member Mobile Field Force (MFF) Unit responds rapidly to civil disturbances, disasters, crowd control, and security needs. Its mission is to protect public safety, uphold First Amendment rights, and support allied agencies. The unit deploys to major events in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, as well as statewide mutual aid.
The Firearms Training Unit (FTU), also known as the Range Program, includes 15 certified instructors—one lieutenant, two sergeants, and 12 officers—who oversee all firearms and less-lethal training. They ensure proficiency with handguns, rifles, shotguns, and tactics, while maintaining weapon systems. Training covers active attacker response, patrol tactics, tactical medicine, and de-escalation.
ARREST AND CONTROL TEAM
The ARCON Unit, made up of one sergeant and three officers, delivers department-wide training in de-escalation, self-defense, weapon retention, handcuffing, and use-of-force. Grounded in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques, the training prioritizes safety for both officers and the public.
Axon body-worn camera footage enhances use-of-force reviews and scenario-based training.
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS TEAM
31 The 13-member UAS Team enhances law enforcement operations by providing real-time intelligence and aerial overwatch. Drones are deployed for missing persons, suspect searches, perimeter security, surveillance, evidence collection, and traffic collision reconstruction. The team’s growing capabilities improve situational awareness and support safer, more efficient responses.
PEER SUPPORT TEAM
WELLNESS COMMITTEE
32 The Peer Support Team consists of 19 members from across the department and offers support to personnel facing personal or professional challenges.
The team facilitates critical incident debriefs for major events, involving all directly affected sworn and professional staff. Members receive specialized training in peer support and stress management to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
The Wellness Committee, made up of members from across the department, supports employee well-being through programs on fitness, nutrition, stress, and financial wellness. In 2024, it launched an on-duty workout program and continued Healthy Warrior’s on-site healthy food options. A quarterly newsletter shares updates, resources, and a message from the Chief.
The Santa Maria Police Department is proud to thank the Santa Maria Police Council for their continued support and commitment in helping the Department supplement its equipment and training needs through fundraising. Since its inception in 2007, the Police Council has donated $2,033,982.05 dollars.
In 2024, the SMPC purchased the following
2023 Santa Maria Police Department Awards Luncheon
National Night Out Event
Santa Maria Police Department Trunk Or Treat Event
DJI “Matrice” Drone
DIJI “Mavic” Drone
Officer Training Software “The Briefing Room”
TOTAL
$2,500.00
$29,902.00
$9,655.99
$11,563.02
$2,500.00
$58,621.01
$2,500.00
33 In 2024, the Santa Maria Police Department proudly celebrated the retirement of five dedicated members who collectively gave decades of service to our department and community. Their commitment and leadership has left a lasting legacy. We thank them for their service and wish them all the best in their next chapter.
Marc Schneider
29 years of service
Woodrow Vega
30 years of service
Melissa Johnson
21 years of service
Suzanne Clement
13 years of service
Francisco J. Velazquez
34 20 years of service
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