Santa Monica Reports 70% of Arrests Involve Unhoused Individuals Amidst Diversion Efforts and Fiscal Constraints

Santa Monica, CA – The city of Santa Monica is actively pursuing a multi-faceted strategy to address its homeless population and associated crime, a complex approach that has drawn both support and sharp criticism. Recent data from the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) for 2024 indicates that 70% of all arrests involved unhoused individuals, even as the city reported a 6% decrease in its overall homeless count. This comes amidst public debate, exemplified by a recent tweet from Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, who critically stated, "🤬 @santamonicacity which is bankrupt & overridden by homeless addicts & criminals has found a solution to the homeless criminal problem! 1. Call them “justice involved individuals” 2. Give them free housing by the beach & they’ll stop committing crime. So backward! WTF?!🤬"

In response to challenges related to homelessness and minor offenses, Santa Monica has implemented diversion programs such as SaMo Bridge and STEP Court. Launched in May 2025, SaMo Bridge connects "justice-involved individuals" experiencing homelessness and behavioral health issues to stabilizing services, with the goal of addressing root causes rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement. Similarly, STEP Court, initiated in January 2024, allows qualifying individuals to clear misdemeanor records by engaging with housing assistance, mental health, and substance use treatment. These programs aim to interrupt the cycle of arrest and re-arrest by offering services and pathways to stability.

Regarding claims of the city being "bankrupt," Santa Monica's recently adopted FY 2025-27 biennial budget totals $793.3 million for FY 2025-26, focusing on financial resilience despite economic challenges. The city acknowledges fiscal constraints due to a downturn in international tourism and legal liabilities, but it is managing resources through disciplined planning and voter-approved initiatives like Measure K and Measure GS, which allocate funds for homelessness prevention and affordable housing. This indicates a city under financial pressure but actively managing its budget, rather than being bankrupt.

SMPD's 2024 annual report reveals a mixed crime landscape. While overall Part I (serious) crimes decreased by 2%, Part II (quality-of-life) crimes, including narcotics offenses and disorderly conduct, increased by 16%. Homelessness-related calls for service rose by 26%, accounting for 19% of all calls. The high percentage of arrests involving unhoused individuals underscores the ongoing intersection of homelessness and public safety concerns in the city.

The city's strategy emphasizes long-term solutions and supportive services over punitive measures for minor offenses. As stated in the tweet, "free housing by the beach" refers to supportive housing initiatives designed to provide stable living environments and integrated care, which the city views as essential to breaking the cycle of homelessness and reducing associated criminal activity. Santa Monica's approach seeks to balance community safety with compassionate intervention, aiming to integrate individuals back into society through housing and comprehensive support.