As the city of Santa Monica grew, a detective bureau was implemented, as well as a call box system that allowed for officers to be alerted faster.

[4] The police department operates a jail, which has a maximum capacity of 112 people, but is only allowed to confine each person for 48 hours at most.

[5] Santa Monica named Jacqueline Seabrooks its first female police chief in April 2012.

Police Chief Seabrooks claimed that high salaries were partially due to overtime paid by private events employing the officers.

[5] The department's Harbor Unit performs ocean rescues at the Santa Monica Pier.