As FIFA World Cup 2026 brings international attention, visitors, and fan celebrations to the greater Los Angeles area, the Santa Monica Police Department is preparing for an increased public safety presence throughout the city, with a particular focus on the Pier, Downtown, Santa Monica Place, the Third Street Promenade, transit corridors, beach areas, and other high-activity locations.
Los Angeles will host multiple World Cup matches during the tournament, and Santa Monica will be home to several related activations and community events over the two-week celebration period.
SMPD’s enhanced deployment is a proactive effort to support safe, welcoming, and well-managed public spaces as residents, visitors, businesses, and soccer fans gather across the city. Officers and professional staff will be visible throughout high-activity areas, with added support from the department’s Downtown Substation.
Located at Santa Monica Place (395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 122), the Downtown Substation serves as a public safety command center and community engagement hub in the heart of the downtown corridor. During World Cup-related activities, the Substation will support coordination between SMPD personnel, event partners, businesses, visitors, and the broader downtown community. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by, meet the officers and public safety personnel working in the area, and learn more about SMPD’s ongoing work downtown.
The department’s Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center) will also support public safety operations by helping coordinate information, identify emerging issues, and provide real-time situational awareness during high-attendance events and busy travel periods. These resources allow SMPD to better align field personnel, respond quickly to calls for service, and support a safer experience across Santa Monica’s major gathering areas.
“Santa Monica is proud to be part of this regional celebration,” Chief Darrick Jacob said. “Our role is to create the conditions for people to enjoy these events safely. That means visible presence, strong coordination, clear communication, and a public safety posture that supports both celebration and accountability.”
The department will coordinate closely with City departments, event organizers, regional law enforcement partners, Santa Monica Fire Department, Big Blue Bus, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, and other public and private partners throughout the tournament period.
Public safety efforts will include:
· Increased foot, bike, and vehicle patrols in high-traffic areas.
· Additional visibility near event sites, parking structures, transit stops, and pedestrian corridors.
· Traffic safety and crowd management support as needed.
· Coordination with event security teams and regional public safety partners.
· Real-time monitoring of public safety conditions through department resources.
· Ongoing public updates through SMPD and City communication channels.
SMPD encourages visitors and residents to plan ahead, use public transportation when possible, allow extra travel time, and remain aware of their surroundings. Anyone attending events should follow posted rules, report suspicious or unsafe activity, and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
“This is an opportunity to showcase the best of Santa Monica,” Chief Jacob said. “We want people to come, enjoy the city, support local businesses, and celebrate responsibly. Our officers and professional staff will be out throughout the city to help make that possible.”
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