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CC - ACTION ITEM: Discussion and, if Desired, Provide the Chief of Police Direction on the Department’s Mutual Aid Policy and the Department’s Response to Mutual Aid Requests from Outside Law Enforcement Agencies.
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Meeting Date: July 9, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Captain Luis Martinez/Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6391
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (07/08/2025)
Department Approval: Police Chief Jason Sims (07/07/2025) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and, if desired, provide the Chief of Police direction on the Mutual Aid policy and the Department’s response to mutual aid requests from outside law enforcement agencies.
BACKGROUND
Mutual aid typically refers to agreements between law enforcement agencies to provide and receive assistance during emergencies, large-scale events, or situations requiring additional personnel or specialized resources. The Culver City Police Department is part of Mutual Aid Area A group, which includes the cities of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood (LASD), and UCLA.
Mutual aid requests are typically planned events, and their primary purpose is to enhance operational efficiency, public safety, and resource sharing. Mutual aid allows agencies such as the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) to pool personnel, equipment, or expertise when one department lacks sufficient resources. This can be critical during natural disasters or major incidents such as mass shootings, civil unrest, or high-profile events such as presidential visits. Additionally, the use of mutual aid can assist agencies with limited financial resources by allowing them to access additional resources from neighboring partners. Moreover, in critical situations, local agencies can respond faster than distant state or federal resources, ensuring a quicker response. Mutual aid cooperation with neighboring agencies also fosters collaboration, the standardization of protocols, and joint training, which can improve multi-jurisdictional operations such as civil unrest or large-scale incidents. Lastly, mutual aid plays a vital role in keeping the Culver City community safe by enabling rapid and robust responses during crises, critical incidents, or major public events.
DISCUSSION
It is important to note the distinction between Mutual Aid and Outside Agency Assistance. Both subjects are covered in the Culver City Police Department Policy Manual under sections 406 and 328, respectively. The Department’s policy manual can be found at <https://www.culvercitypd.gov/Chief-of-Police/Policy-Manual>. Additionally, Culver City has a Mutual Aid agreement signed by the Chief of Police, most recently in 2024. This agreement outlines the desire to coordinate public safety service efforts to help mitigate instances where a probable or imminent threat to life or property may result from a local emergency, disaster, or civil unrest. Lastly, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) has a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan, outlining the policies and procedures for Mutual Aid among local and regional jurisdictions.
MUTUAL AID
In terms of Mutual Aid, the structure and guidelines involve a system called the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). The system is broken up into four different levels: cities, counties, regions, and the state of CA. From there, the system is divided into seven Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Regions. In Los Angeles County, the Sheriff, via the Sheriff’s Department, serves as the Regional Mutual Aid Coordinator.
In Culver City, if the Chief of Police or their designee determines that an emergency may become or has already escalated into something beyond the control of the Department’s resources, they can request mutual aid from the Operational Area Coordinator. Currently, that coordinator is a Santa Monica Police Lieutenant.
The basic concept outlined in the Department’s policy is that within a geographical area, adjacent or neighboring law enforcement agencies will assist each other. If an event were to occur that requires further assistance, then additional resources can be requested from other geographical areas within the region. If an event were to escalate where those combined resources are insufficient, the area coordinator would contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB) and request further assistance and resources. If these resources were still insufficient, the Regional Mutual Aid Coordinator (LASD) would contact the State Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Coordinator at the Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) for further assistance.
Mutual Aid was demonstrated in two recent incidents. In February of 2024, former President Joe Biden visited the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City. This was a well-coordinated and executed event, which required mutual aid participation from Area A agencies. CCPD provided mutual aid to the United States Secret Service and, along with Beverly Hills PD, UCLA PD, and Santa Monica PD, made the immediate area near the Julian Dixon library safe. In January of this year, the devastating Palisades Fire began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles County. As a result, Santa Monica PD requested mutual aid assistance due to the fact that their personnel were assisting Santa Monica FD with evacuations, traffic control, and firefighting efforts. From January 7th-10th, CCPD provided mutual aid by sending approximately 19 officers and supervisors to Santa Monica to conduct burglary and looter suppression.
OUTSIDE AGENCY ASSISTANCE
Outside agency assistance requests occur when a law enforcement agency requests immediate emergency assistance following a critical incident. The requesting agency will typically request additional public safety personnel to assist with major incidents such as mass shootings, terrorist attacks, or significant traffic collisions, to name a few. The requests for outside agency assistance are usually made by the Watch Commanders of the respective agencies involved. A recent example is the shooting of a Santa Monica Police Officer who tried to apprehend an attempted murder suspect who had shot two juveniles a few days prior. While attempting to make an arrest, the officer was shot, and the suspect fled into the community. Santa Monica PD requested emergency help via the Watch Commander, and a CCPD supervisor and three police officers responded to assist in Santa Monica. The suspect was taken into custody later that day. A second example occurred last Wednesday, July 2nd. Shortly after midnight, CCPD received a radio call of a solo vehicle traffic collision on Bristol Parkway and Green Valley Circle. The collision involved CA Highway Patrol officers. Sadly, one of the officers passed away. CCPD responded to a request for immediate help and provided assistance for several hours until additional CHP personnel arrived and conducted their investigation.
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT MUTUAL AID
Culver City Police Policy (438) and Culver City Resolution #2017- R025 prohibit CCPD personnel from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration law. CCPD does not and will not provide mutual aid to Federal Immigration authorities for immigration enforcement operations as outlined by the CCPD policy, the Government Code, and California law.
POTENTIAL RAMIFICATIONS OF DISCONTINUING MUTUAL AID
There are potential legal, public, and operational consequences if Culver City were to cease participating in mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions. The City would have an increased exposure to liability for failing to comply with obligations under existing mutual aid agreements such as providing adequate public safety services. Further, there would be potential conflicts with the City’s existing obligations and duties under state law (e.g., California Emergency Services Act) that mandates participation in mutual aid networks during declared emergencies. These conflicts may increase the risk of penalties to the City.
The public ramifications of ending mutual aid agreements are also cause for concern. Reduced public safety during large-scale emergencies can lead to a higher risk of injuries, property loss, or fatalities. The erosion of community trust and confidence in the City's ability to protect its residents or visitors can occur, as well as the potential loss of support and reputational harm.
Lastly, the elimination of mutual aid agreements can also have operational ramifications. It may cause increased strain on local personnel and resources, leading to burnout and staffing shortages. The loss of reciprocal support from neighboring agencies during critical incidents is also a strong possibility. Higher insurance premiums or reduced coverage can also occur due to increased operational risks.
CONCLUSION
Mutual aid is vital in law enforcement efforts because it enables agencies to collaborate effectively, pooling resources, expertise, and personnel to address incidents that exceed the capacity of a single agency. It is a cornerstone of modern law enforcement, enabling agencies to respond to complex challenges collaboratively, efficiently, and effectively. Given the significant legal, public, and operational risks outlined above, it is not advisable for the city to withdraw from mutual aid agreements. Continuing participation ensures stronger regional cooperation, enhances public safety, and mitigates liability and reputational risks.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion of Police Department’s Mutual Aid policy and procedures. Depending on Council’s direction regarding potential policy changes and the Department’s response to mutual aid requests, there may be fiscal impacts to the City for Council to consider.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-07-09 - ATT CCPD Policy 406- Mutual Aid & Tactical Mobilization
2. 2025-07-09 - ATT CCPD Policy 328- Outside Agency Assistance
3. 2025-07-09 - ATT CCPD Policy 438- Immigration
4. 2025-07-09 - ATT CCPD Mutual Aid Agreement
5. 2025-07-09 - ATT CAL OES Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan
6. 2025-07-09 - ATT Culver City Resolution #2017- R025
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Discuss the Police Department’s Mutual Aid Policy and Procedures; and
2. (If desired) Provide direction to the Chief of Police on the policies and procedures related to Mutual Aid.