Santa Monica's police chief resigns, citing clash with city's administration

Less than four years into his tenure, Santa Monica's first Latino police chief, Ramón Batista, has announced his resignation from the department where he oversaw a drop in crime and increased police hiring.

- BY ANDREW J. CAMPA

Santa Monica Police Department
RAMÓN BATISTA was named chief in 2021.

Batista hinted at a potential clash with city leaders in a letter Friday to the city manager, Oliver Chi.

“My nearly 40 years of experience in public safety and policing, my deeply held sense of justice, and following not only the spirit, but the letter of the law, appear to be at odds from demands set by the new administration,” he wrote.

“In that light, the right path is to transition leadership here, as I look forward with purpose, conviction, and optimism to my next challenge.”

Batista said in his letter that his last day would be Oct. 4, exactly two weeks before his fourth anniversary of being sworn in as Santa Monica’s 18th police chief over its 128 years.

Batista and Santa Monica officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Chi, who received Batista's letter, said in a statement he was grateful for the chief's "many contributions."