Zero-Bail Protocol Starting In October In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Due to a new set of county bail schedules, most suspects arrested for non-violent felonies and misdemeanors in Santa Monica will be cited or booked and then released, the Santa Monica Police Department announced.

On July 18, the Los Angeles County Superior Court approved the new zero-bail protocol, which in turn means all county police departments must comply with the rule change. The new bail protocol is slated to take effect on Oct. 1.

Subscribe

"While this represents a significant change in protocols for all law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County, the Santa Monica Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of our community," SMPD said in a statement.

Officers will now take one of three possible actions for an arrestee's release:

1. Cite and Release
   1. The arrestee is released at the location of the arrest.
2. Book and Release
   1. The arrestee is booked in jail and then released on their own recognizance.
3. Magistrate Review
   1. Select cases referred to an on-call magistrate.

Under the new protocol, nearly all theft offenses, vehicle code violations, other property crimes like vandalism, and some serious crimes that are deemed non-violent will be either cited or booked and released or referred to an on-call magistrate.

The magistrate will have the discretion to determine the appropriate release terms and conditions. Capital offenses such as murder with special circumstances and limited felonies are not eligible for zero bail release.

The new release protocols will replace traditional bail schedules. For example, a person arrested for vehicle theft would have had a bail amount of $35,000 under the previous schedule. With the new protocol, the person would be eligible for Book and Release.

According to SMPD, offenses involving guns, sexual battery, crimes against children/elders and contact with minors with intent to commit a sexual offense would be referred to magistrate review.

"We will not waiver in our commitment to safeguarding our residents, visitors, and business owners even while we work within the processes set forth by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County," SMPD said.