SANTA MARIA POLICE DEPARTMENT SANTA MARIA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 2025 2025 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT Attachment A
134711 21 293839
THEDEPARTMENT
THECITY
CHIEF’SMESSAGE
ADMINISTRATION
OPERATIONS
SUPPORT
COLLATERALASSIGNMENTS
POLICECOUNCIL
RETIREMENT
LoNGWAY CONTENTS
TABLEOF
The Santa Maria Police Department is committed to protecting and serving all individuals who visit, work, or reside in the City of Santa Maria by delivering professional law enforcement services through strong community partnerships. Guided by the principles of community-oriented and constitutionally based policing, the Department seeks to foster public trust while providing high-quality service aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing crime. The Department provides a comprehensive range of services, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and crime prevention and education. Through a philosophy grounded in collaboration and mutual respect, the Department works in partnership with the community to improve the overall quality of life for all within the City of Santa Maria.
1 2
Mayor
Alice Patino
City Manager
David Rowlands
City Councilmember
Gloria Flores
District 2
City Councilmember
Gloria Soto
District 3
City Councilmember
Carlos Escobedo
District 1
City Councilmember
Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez
District 4
The City of Santa Maria is a full-service municipality comprised of 10 departments and supported by more than 700 dedicated employees. Operating under a City Council/City Manager form of government, the City maintains a biennial operating budget of approximately $291 million. Santa Maria is home to a diverse and growing economic base, including aerospace, communications, high-technology research and development, energy production, military operations, and manufacturing industries. Residents of the Santa Maria Valley benefit from a wide range of amenities, including renowned wineries, a dynamic cultural environment, premier rodeo events, scenic rolling hills, and 12 miles of Pacific coastline featuring the state’s tallest beach dunes. Collectively, these attributes make the Santa Maria Valley a desirable place to live, work, and conduct business. www.ci tyofsantamar ia.org
3 As Chief of Police for the Santa Maria Police Department, I am proud to present our 2025 Annual Report. This past year, our department remained steadfast in its commitment to public safety, transparency, and community trust. Through proactive policing strategies, continued investment in training, and strong partnerships with residents and local organizations, we have worked to enhance the safety and quality of life for everyone in our community. While we faced evolving challenges, including increases in calls for service and complex public safety issues, our personnel responded with professionalism, resilience, and dedication.
None of our progress would be possible without the support of our community and the unwavering commitment of the men and
women of this department. In 2025, we focused on strengthening relationships through community engagement, expanding crime prevention efforts, and prioritizing officer wellness and development. As we look ahead, we remain committed to
innovation, accountability, and service. Together, we will continue to build a safer, stronger Santa Maria for all who live, work, and visit.
4 A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS
-Christopher Williams
Chief of Police
CHIEF OF POLICE
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS
COMMANDER
DANIEL RIOS
COMMANDER
DANIEL COHEN
COMMANDER
PAUL VAN MEEL5
LIEUTENANT
MATTHEW KLINE
LIEUTENANT
NATHAN TOTORICA
LIEUTENANT
FELIX DIAZ
LIEUTENANT
ANDY MAGALLON
LIEUTENANT
TODD LOGAN
BUSINESS PROGRAM LEADER
(ADMINISTRATION) SARA PEET
BUSINESS PROGRAM LEADER
(TRAINING) CHRISTINA
ALVAREZ
6 LIEUTENANT
TREVOR SHALHOOB
The Department’s Administration Division consists of the Chief of Police, an Administrative Commander, a Business Program Leader, two Administrative Assistants, an Office Assistant, and the Professional Standards Unit (PSU). This division is responsible for oversight of the Department’s budget, recruitment efforts, professional standards, risk management, and succession planning. In addition, the Records Bureau and Training Bureau report directly to the Administrative Commander, ensuring coordinated administrative support and operational readiness across the Department.
7 ADMINISTRATION
The Training Bureau, comprised of a Sergeant, Business Program Leader, and Office Assistant, is responsible for coordinating all departmental training and maintaining comprehensive training records for personnel. The Bureau ensures compliance with POST requirements and recognized best practices, oversees recruitment efforts for both sworn and professional staff, and leads the Department’s emergency preparedness initiatives. Notable accomplishments in 2025 include:
Continued implementation of a web-based training management system.
While still in progress, the system has already significantly improved efficiency in tracking department-wide training and enhanced support for the Field Training Program.
TRAINING BUREAU
8 Facilitated 9,040 hours of training for Department personnel, with an emphasis on Mobile Field Force operations, Crime Lab functions, employee wellness, and leadership development.
Facilitated more than 70 background investigations and successfully onboarded 35 new employees.
Managed Department police recruits attending the Allan Hancock Police Academy.
The Records Bureau consists of a Police Records Supervisor, two Senior Records Technicians, and nine Police Records Technicians. The Bureau is responsible for the maintenance, processing, and dissemination of law enforcement records. Records Technicians also handle offender registrations (sex, arson, and gang-related), process a variety of applications, provide Live Scan fingerprinting services to the public, manage public records requests, and submit crime statistics to the FBI. In addition, Records Technicians frequently serve as the public face of the Department, assisting community members at the front counter. In 2025, the Records Bureau processed more than 16,000 police reports, including 645 DUI cases, 150 sex crime cases, and 585 domestic violence cases, as well as thousands of citations, restraining orders, and case rejections from the District Attorney’s Office.
RECORDS BUREAU
9 Established in October 2025, the Professional Standards Unit serves as a centralized hub for critical organizational functions, enhancing accountability, efficiency, and strategic development across the department. The unit oversees recruitment and retention efforts, the Training Bureau, policy review and implementation, internal affairs investigations, federal reporting, records maintenance, and coordination with outside agencies, among other responsibilities. The Unit is comprised of two professional staff assigned to the Training Bureau, a Professional Standards Sergeant, and a Professional Standards Lieutenant, all of whom are supervised by the Administrative Commander. Since its inception, the Professional Standards Unit has played a key role in strengthening operational consistency, supporting personnel development, and ensuring compliance with evolving standards and best practices.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT
10 Uniformed patrol officers are responsible for responding to calls for service citywide, addressing a wide range of incidents from in-progress crimes and emergencies to non-emergency calls and requests for assistance. In addition to their reactive duties, officers engage in proactive enforcement and community policing initiatives. Through ongoing engagement at community events and within neighborhood settings, patrol personnel build strong relationships that foster public trust and contribute to a safer community.
The Patrol Bureau serves as the backbone of the Department’s service delivery, providing the most frequent and direct interaction with the community. Patrol officers are highly trained professionals whose primary responsibility is to deliver exceptional service with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated in every encounter, ranging from routine community contacts to critical incident response.
In 2025, the Patrol Bureau was staffed with 63 sworn personnel, two K-9 officers, 11 Sergeants, and four Lieutenants. The Lieutenants serve as Watch Commanders across various shifts, ensuring operational continuity and effective oversight, while Sergeants provide direct supervision and leadership to officers both in the field and at the station.
PATROL BUREAU
12 The Operations Division remains the Department’s most visible and essential component, providing continuous police services across the City’s 23.5 square miles and serving a population of approximately 112,000 residents. As the frontline of public safety, this division plays a critical role in maintaining order, responding to emergencies, and building trust within the community.
In 2025, the Department responded to 84,876 calls for service, averaging approximately 230 calls per day. Through a data-driven deployment strategy, personnel are assigned based on identified crime trends, call volume, and the specific needs of distinct geographic areas. This targeted approach ensures that resources are effectively allocated during peak times and in locations experiencing higher demand.
Beyond enforcement, the Operations Division is committed to meaningful community engagement. Officers work closely with residents to address ongoing neighborhood concerns and quality-of-life issues, emphasizing collaboration and long-term problem-solving. This partnership-driven approach strengthens community relationships and contributes to a safer, more unified city.
OPERATIONS
11 The Traffic Unit consists of a Sergeant and five Motor Officers dedicated to enhancing roadway safety and reducing collisions resulting in injury, loss of life, and property damage. Through a balanced and strategic enforcement and education approach, the unit plays a vital role in promoting safe travel throughout the community.
IIn 2025, the Traffic Unit continued to advance its mission through the core principles of enforcement, education, and engineering. Targeted enforcement efforts were focused on high-collision corridors and locations identified through data analysis to reduce hazardous driving behaviors and improve overall traffic compliance.
In addition to enforcement, the unit expanded its community outreach and education initiatives, partnering with local organizations, schools, and city departments to promote safe driving practices and increase public awareness. The Traffic Unit is also responsible for investigating traffic collisions, including those involving injury and fatality. Through thorough analysis and reporting, officers identify contributing factors and recommend preventative measures aimed at reducing future incidents, supporting the Department’s ongoing commitment to safer roadways and an improved quality of life for the community.
TRAFFIC UNIT
13 COLLISIONS 2025 CITATIONS 2025
Property Damage
Fatal
Injury
TOTAL
464
1363
8 1835
Cell Phone
DUI
TOTAL
Seat Belt
5711
553
39 642
2025 TRAFFIC STATISTICS
14 In 2025, the Police K-9 Unit experienced significant growth and operational success. The unit expanded from one Police Service Dog (PSD) to two with the addition of PSD Rasko, enhancing the Department’s overall response capabilities and operational coverage.
This increase in staffing allowed for more consistent deployment and improved support to patrol operations.
Throughout the year, K-9 teams were deployed approximately 55 times across a range of critical incidents, including building searches, openarea suspect searches, high-risk warrant service, firearms detection, and responses to barricaded suspects. The versatility of the K-9 teams proved invaluable in managing complex and potentially dangerous situations, while also serving as an effective de-escalation tool. Of the 55 deployments, only two resulted in physical apprehensions, both of which resulted in minor injuries to suspects, underscoring the Unit’s effectiveness in achieving safe resolutions. In addition to operational deployments, K-9 teams participated in community events and fundraisers, strengthening relationships through public engagement, education, and positive interaction.
K-9 UNIT
15 Santa Maria Police Department Explorer Post #115 members are Santa Maria youth, between the ages of 14-20 years old, who have shown an interest in the Department and are seeking careers in law enforcement. The goal of the program is to provide participants with a greater awareness of the law enforcement profession through training, competitions, and mentoring by officers. Training consists of concepts in law, tactics, and decision-making, as well as instilling the values of teamwork, building character, and fostering a work ethic through volunteer opportunities.
The SMPD also hosted multiple local agencies for the 2025 Central Coast Police Explorer Academy. The course saw over 20 Police Explorers participate in physical agility, scenarios, classroom instruction, and firearms, graduating after two weeks of hard work and commitment.
The Post also volunteered over 600 hours at various events within the City of Santa Maria and surrounding areas, assisting with tasks such as traffic control, admittance of the public to event venues, and actively participating in the local Peace Officer Memorial.
We are proud of each of our members and look forward to their continued success, both professionally and personally.
EXPLORER PROGRAM
16 The Community Services Unit is led by a Sergeant and a dedicated team responsible for a range of specialized assignments, including Beat Coordinators, School Resource Officers, Police Service Technicians, Police Cadets, and an Outreach Coordinator. The unit plays a central role in strengthening relationships between the Department and the community through proactive engagement, problem-solving, and partnership-building.
Throughout the year, the Community Services Unit plans and coordinates a variety of programs and events designed to engage residents of all ages and promote positive community relations, such as:
COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT
Community Academy
National Night Out
Cops-N-Cars
Mission Hope Fundraiser
Coffee with a Cop
Youth Academy
Shop with a Cop
Read Across America
17 The Unit mission is simple: build trust, create meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact beyond traditional calls for service.
The City is divided into three designated areas, each supported by a Beat Coordinator. Beat Coordinators focus on long-term problem-solving and community concerns within their assigned area. They work closely with residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and City partners to identify trends, address quality-of-life issues, and support neighborhood improvement efforts. Their goal is to build strong relationships and implement lasting solutions within each of the three areas.
POLICE SERVICE TECHNICIANS
Police Service Technicians (PSTs) are professional staff who support daily operations within the Patrol Bureau. Under the direction of a PST Lead, they handle crime reports, traffic collisions, evidence processing, and parking enforcement throughout the City. Their work allows sworn personnel to remain available for higher-priority calls for service while ensuring efficient and responsive service to the community.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The Department has two School Resource Officers (SROs), each assigned to one of the City’s two high schools. They work in close partnership with school administrators to maintain safe and supportive campus environments. In addition to addressing safety concerns, SROs focus on mentorship, education, and early intervention, helping students make positive choices while strengthening relationships between law enforcement and youth.
BEAT COORDINATORS
18 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 provides a pathway for future success by preparing cadets for entry-level appointment to the Police Academy. Recently, the Department celebrated its first cadet graduate from the Academy, who is now progressing through the Field Training Program.
OUTREACH COORDINATOR
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 a variety of 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 a range of topics. Beyond community outreach, this position also supports internal Department events, including the employee awards luncheon, badge pinning ceremonies, and other special events that recognize and support personnel.
January 2025 -------> January 2026
19 SOCIAL MEDIA STATISTICS
Facebook 2025
Facebook 2026
Instagram 2025
Instagram 2026
X 2025
X 2026
2025: 7,600
2026: 9,400
2025: 4,065
2026: 4,100
2025: 50,200
2026: 53,000 4,100
50,200 7,600 4,065
53,000
9,400
@SMPDHQ
A
FEW2025COMMUNITYOUTREACHEVENTS
20 SUPPORT
21 The Support Division encompasses the Detective Bureau, Gang Suppression Team, Crime Lab, Property and Evidence Unit, and Communications Center.
The Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) supports the Department’s crime reduction efforts through a data-driven approach to identifying and evaluating crime patterns, trends, and emerging hotspots. The unit conducts ongoing reviews of major incidents and provides timely analytical support to officers and detectives, enhancing case development and investigative outcomes. The CAU also integrates intelligence from regional and external partners to identify connections between local incidents and broader criminal activity. By extracting and analyzing data from multiple systems, the unit delivers accurate, actionable information that informs operational decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic planning, ultimately strengthening the Department’s overall effectiveness in addressing public safety concerns.
CRIME ANALYSIS UNIT
In 2025, the Crime Analysis Unit processed 240 data requests and produced 360 tactical crime bulletins. Additionally, the unit successfully facilitated the transition from UCR to NIBRS reporting.
PART I CRIME TOTALS 2024 2025
Theft
Rape
Arson
Burglary
Robbery
Homicide
Total
Aggravated Assault
Motor Vehicle Theft
4 59
75 191
465
347
1,277
473
2,891
48 5
58 131
500
291
376
1,219
2,628 22
The Detective Bureau serves as the Police Department’s primary investigative section and is responsible for investigating criminal cases, identifying and 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. Personnel are assigned to one of five specialized units within the Bureau: Violent Crime Unit, Special Victims Unit, Property Crime Unit, Gang Investigation Unit, and HighTech Crimes Unit. During 2025, the Detective Bureau accomplished the following:
DETECTIVE BUREAU
Submitted 723 cases to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Conducted 270 operations ranging from warrant services to special operations.
Handled 975 criminal investigations.
Arrested 65 individuals related to major investigations. 23 AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology has had a measurable impact on crime reduction and investigative outcomes for the Santa Maria Police Department. Since its implementation, reported stolen vehicles have dropped significantly from 1,158 in 2022 to 376 in 2025. Over the past year, ALPR data was used in 229 cases, contributing to 87 arrests and generating 171 investigative leads, while also assisting officers in the recovery of 55 stolen vehicles. These results highlight the value of ALPR as a data-driven tool in improving efficiency and enhancing public safety and represent one of the ways SMPD is leveraging technology to strengthen safety within the community.
The Gang Suppression Team (GST) was reestablished in 2025 to address gangrelated crime and enhance public safety throughout the City of Santa Maria. The team focused on proactive enforcement, intelligence gathering, and targeted investigations involving criminal street gangs.
Throughout the year, GST detectives remained active by conducting traffic and pedestrian stops, completing gang registrations and debriefs, and documenting gang activity through field interviews and reports. These efforts strengthened intelligence collection and improved awareness of gang trends within the community.
GST conducted probation and parole compliance checks, authored search warrants, and carried out targeted enforcement operations. These efforts led to a significant increase in firearms recovered, with 201 firearms booked into evidence in 2025, nearly doubling totals from prior years. This increase in firearm recovery directly correlated with a substantial reduction in shootings, which declined from 85 incidents in 2024 to 42 in 2025—a 51% decrease and the lowest level in recent years.
GST also investigated illegal narcotics activity, leading to the seizure of controlled substances and supporting prosecutions through expert testimony and asset forfeiture. Overall, GST demonstrated a proactive and balanced approach to reducing gang-related crime through enforcement, intelligence, and offender monitoring, contributing to a measurable improvement in community safety.
GANG SUPPRESSION TEAM
24 The Crime Lab is responsible for identifying and collecting evidence at major crime scenes and processing that evidence within the Department’s forensic laboratory. Lab personnel provide forensic investigative support to uniformed officers and detectives while collaborating with state and federal partner agencies.
CRIME LAB
25 CRIME REPORTS
CASINGS SENT
TO NIBIN
CAL-ID/FBI HITS
ITEMS PROCESSED
VEHICLES
PROCESSED
LATENT PRINT
CASES
LATENT
COMPARISONS
FIREARMS
PROCESSED
379
220
61 525
20 160
22,548
175
214 162
20 The Property and Evidence Unit is responsible for the storage and management of property and evidence, maintaining the chain of custody, responding to discovery requests, and purging cases that have reached final disposition.
PROPERTY & EVIDENCE UNIT
INCOMING
EVIDENCE
INCOMING FOUND
PROPERTY
INCOMING
SAFEKEEPING PROPETY
INCOMING PROPERTY
FOR DESTRUCTION
11,163
316
1330
OUTGOING
EVIDENCE
OUTGOING FOUND
PROPERTY
OUTGOING
SAFEKEEPING PROPERTY
OUTGOING PROPERTY
FOR DESTRUCTION
5,868
409
1,278
26 The Communications Center provides dispatch services for the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the City of Guadalupe. Dispatch personnel are responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and coordinating responses to 911 emergency calls, non-emergency calls, and administrative inquiries.
In 2025, Communications Center personnel managed 179,956 incoming and outgoing calls, utilizing advanced technology to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to the community.
The Center is staffed by 13 full-time Dispatchers, one part-time Dispatcher, and four Lead Dispatchers who serve as first-line supervisors for each shift.
The team maintains a high level of service through professionalism, adaptability, and commitment.
Ongoing training remains a priority, with Dispatchers regularly participating in updated programs to maintain proficiency in evolving systems, technologies, and best practices. In 2025, team members also attended industry training and conferences, including those hosted by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and CALNENA, to maintain compliance with POST standards and enhance operational expertise.
In June 2025, the Santa Barbara County Fire Regional Communications Center became operational and assumed dispatch responsibilities for all fire agencies within the county. The Santa Maria Police Department remains the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), with fire and medical calls received and then transferred to the Regional Fire Communications Center for dispatch.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
27 CALLS FOR SERVICE
SantaMaria Police Department
84,876
Fire
5,676
City Rangers/Code
Enforcement
Guadalupe PD
4,607
Guadalupe Fire Allan Hancock PD
2,826 507 73
TOTAL CALLS
FOR SERVICE
CREATED:
121,386
28 Total Reports Taken
16,090
*TOTAL CALLS TRANSFERRED TO RFCC SINCE 6/6/2025: 6,731
29 Collateral police assignments are specialized roles that support the Department’s mission and enhance officer
readiness and community engagement. These assignments
enable personnel to apply their skills in focused areas of need within the agency:
These specialized roles strengthen the Department’s ability to serve and protect the community effectively.
Mounted Unit–Provides visibility and engagement at public events.
Crisis Negotiation Team–De-escalates critical incidents through communication.
SWAT–Handles high-risk and 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–Focuses on tactics to promote officer safety.
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.
COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENTS
The Santa Maria Police Department SWAT Team consists of 18 operators, two team leaders, and one Commander. As a collateral assignment, selection requires a rigorous process that evaluates physical fitness, tactical proficiency, mental preparedness, and firearms competency. The team conducts two 10-hour training days each month, with an additional training day for the ling rifle team.
The team responds to high-risk incidents, including armed barricaded suspects, hostage situations, high-risk warrant service, and other critical incidents requiring specialized tactical resources. During 2025, Santa Maria SWAT Team responded to four team activations.
In their primary assignments, team members serve in various roles throughout the Department, including Patrol, Beat Coordinators, Gang Suppression Team, Detectives, Motors, and School Resource Officer positions. The Department’s two K-9 teams are integrated into SWAT operations and regularly support deployments.
In addition to operational response, SWAT personnel provide training to Department members in areas such as breaching, firearms proficiency, less-lethal options, chemical agents, arrest and control, and building searches.
The team is equipped with two armored rescue vehicles, a mobile command post, and a dedicated equipment vehicle. In 2025–2026, the Santa Maria Police Council contributed more than $100,000 in tactical and rescue equipment, including rifle accessories, laser systems, and hydraulic breaching tools.
The SWAT Team’s capabilities and sustained training enhance officer safety and community protection, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to professional and effective service delivery.
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM
30 MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT
The Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU) consisted of four officers and continued to expand its role in both community engagement and proactive enforcement. Officers volunteered for this assignment and were responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned horse.
The MEU enhanced visibility and accessibility throughout the City, participating in six community events and conducting eight targeted deployments focused on engagement and crime prevention. The unit also maintained a consistent training schedule to ensure operational readiness and effectiveness across a variety of environments. 31 HONOR GUARD
32 The Honor Guard represented the Department at ceremonial and community events, serving as a symbol of professionalism, tradition, and respect. The Unit performed a variety of ceremonial duties at events within the City of Santa Maria and in support of allied agencies upon request.
Comprised of 10 Officers and three Sergeants, the Honor Guard trained quarterly to maintain a high standard of precision and discipline. Ceremonies were conducted in accordance with protocols modeled after the United States Marine Corps, ensuring a consistent and distinguished presentation.
Members of the Honor Guard took great pride in their role, honoring the law enforcement profession and those who served.
Through participation in memorials, civic functions, and special events, the Unit upheld the Department’s commitment to tradition, unity, and service to the community.
CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is FBI-trained in crisis management and focuses on safely resolving critical incidents through active communication with suicidal individuals, barricaded suspects, and hostage-takers. All members meet FBI standards, and several have attended nationally recognized training courses to remain current on best practices and tactics. In 2025, the Crisis Negotiation Team accomplished the following:
Expanded team from 8 members to 15, including supervisory personnel.
Increased annual training hours from 40 to 70 hours.
Responded to 14 total incidents with no negative outcomes. 3 incidents involving subjects with a knives or sharp objects. 3 incidents involving subjects with firearms.
8 incidents involving barricade subjects.
Participated in 1 pre-planned operation in coordination with SWAT. 3 members successfully completed the FBI Crisis Negotiation Course. 33 MOBILE FIELD FORCE
In 2025, the 17-member Mobile Field Force (MFF) Unit maintained a high level of readiness, supporting civil disturbances, major events, and mutual aid deployments throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Los Angeles Counties. The Unit continued to protect public safety while upholding First Amendment rights. Several members completed FEMA Mobile Field Force certification, strengthening overall capability, coordination, and response effectiveness.
34 The Firearms Training Unit, also known as the Range Program, consists of 14 instructors, including two Sergeants and 12 Officers, who are responsible for delivering all firearms and less-lethal training for the Department. The Unit plays a critical role in ensuring officer safety, accountability, and operational readiness by providing high-quality firearms and tactics instruction to all sworn personnel. The Range Program oversees quarterly qualifications, advanced skills development, and scenario-based training designed to replicate real-world conditions. Through a continued emphasis on safety, consistency, and continuous improvement, the Unit supports the Department’s commitment to professional excellence and public trust.
RANGE-FIREARMS TRAINING UNIT
ARREST AND CONTROL TEAM
The Arrest and Control (ARCON) Unit, comprised of one Sergeant and four Officers, provides comprehensive, Department-wide instruction in deescalation, self-defense, weapon retention, handcuffing, and use-of-force techniques. The Department’s training philosophy is grounded in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu principles, emphasizing control, effectiveness, and the safety of both officers and the public.
ARCON is responsible for training all sworn personnel and Police Service Technicians, ensuring consistency and adherence to established best practices. The Unit also incorporates Axon body-worn camera footage into its curriculum to support use-of-force reviews and to develop realistic, scenario-based training.
Through ongoing instruction and evaluation, ARCON promotes continuous improvement in arrest and control techniques and decision-making. This year, the Unit achieved certification in a new leg restraint device and successfully trained Department personnel in its application, enhancing officer safety and operational effectiveness in the field. 35 UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS TEAM
The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Team continued to develop the program and expand its capabilities in law enforcement applications. The use of UAS during emergency operations enhances situational awareness by providing real-time intelligence to decision-makers.
The UAS enables rapid deployment of aerial overwatch for exterior searches around residences and buildings, as well as interior support in high-risk situations. The team consists of nine principal operators, two Sergeants, and one Lieutenant. The UAS has been utilized in missing person cases, suspect searches, perimeter surveillance, interior building assessments, evidence documentation, and traffic collision reconstruction.
In 2025, the team responded to 213 calls for service and successfully located suspects in 61 incidents.
36 PEER SUPPORT TEAM
WELLNESS COMMITTEE
The Wellness Committee, comprised of members from throughout the Department, supports employee well-being through programs focused on fitness, nutrition, stress management, and financial wellness. The Department continues to provide an on-duty physical fitness program and the Healthy Warriors on-site healthy food program.
37 The Peer Support Team is composed of trained personnel from throughout the Department who provide assistance to employees experiencing personal or professional challenges. The team offers confidential peer support services, conducts routine wellness check-ins with officers and staff, and helps ensure personnel have access to appropriate resources.
The team also assists in facilitating critical incident debriefings following major events, supporting both sworn and professional staff directly affected.
In 2025, the Santa Maria Police Council donated $247,718.13 toward police training and equipment. Since the Council began supporting the Department in 1987, total contributions have reached $2,240,964.92, reflecting decades of sustained investment in officer safety, training, and community protection.
In 2025, the SMPC purchased the following
Weapon-Mounted Laser Systems (OGL-SWAT)
Rifle/Suppressors Support Equipment
GEN 4 Electro-Hydraulic Breaching Kit
Rifle-Rated Ballistic Shields (5)
Rifle-Rated Body Armor Systems (14)
TOTAL
38 $50,881.79
$3,928.85
$28,848.83
$30,000
$24,349.0
195,524.38
$48,515.88
Rifle Suppressors & Rifle Platforms
In 2025, the Santa Maria Police Department proudly recognized the retirement of five dedicated members who collectively contributed decades of service to the Department and the community. Their commitment and leadership left a lasting legacy. The Department extends its sincere appreciation for their service and wishes them the very best in their next chapter.
Records Tech II
Aracely Lupian
40 years of service
Officer
Gregorio Santiago
12 years of service
Commander
Eligo Lara
33 years of service
Commander
Jesse Silva
23 years of service
Sergeant
Michael McGehee
23 years of service
39 FOLLOW US ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
@SMPDHQ