SANTA MONICA PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
SMPA is a non-profit organization operating in the 90402 zip code. The mission is simple: SMPA exists for the sole purpose of deterring criminal activity, and they do this by pooling member dues in order to provide the neighborhood with armed patrol services. Many of the activities of SMPA are carried out by civic-minded volunteers who do their part to aid SMPA in its crime deterrence mission.
SMPA has operated continuously since it was founded in 1981. Just prior to its founding, the neighborhood experienced several violent crimes including a double homicide of some neighborhood teens on 16th St, and the murder of a woman in her home on Alta as she returned from the grocery store.
A few prudent citizens of this neighborhood banded together, combined their resources, and SMPA was born. Under the watchful eye of SMPA’s leaders, armed security officers began patrolling the streets, and as more members joined, the patrol service expanded.
Since 1981, the crime rate in SMPA has been consistently lower than the surrounding areas, and this is no coincidence. While the Santa Monica Police Department does a great job, they can’t be everywhere at once. SMPA acts an extra set of eyes and ears for them. Think of SMPA as a paid neighborhood watch program.
SMPA serves the Santa Monica neighborhood bounded by Ocean Ave, Montana Ave, 26th Street, and the northern border of the city. Almost half of the families in the area are members of SMPA and it would be an even safer neighborhood if they all were!
SMPA’s continued operation depends on the support of people like you!