The Santa Monica Police Department is asking business and property owners to give them permission to keep trespassers off private property.
This applies to doorways, storefronts, back entrances, parking lots, and anywhere else that is considered private property.
During the hours your business is open, continue to call SMPD dispatch at (310) 458-8491 to request assistance.
Enforcing the state laws of trespassing requires the cooperation of the owner or agent of record for the property. The department's goal is to partner with owners and agents to provide routine checks of the property to deter trespassing violations.
This partnership requires that business owners or managers complete a new online Trespass Arrest Authorization form, authorizing the police department to provide appropriate enforcement.
Enforcement may include advising individuals who do not have authority to be on the premises to leave, as well as making arrests for trespassing and participate in any subsequent court proceedings.
The Trespass Arrest Authorization form can be found online at santamonicapd.org/trespass.
If you have questions about trespassing or filling out the form, contact the SMPD Homeless Liaison Program (HLP Team) at (310) 458-8953.
