The Menifee City Council unanimously passed a Resolution officially establishing the Menifee Police Department at Tuesday evening’s council meeting. According to the Resolution, the Menifee Police Department will be established effective July 1, 2019 - one year before the projected date when the department will take over law enforcement services in the city (July 1, 2020). “The official formation of the department gives the police chief the authority to appoint sworn police officers over the next 12 months,” according to City Manager Armando Villa.

“This is an important milestone in the formation of the Menifee Police Department,” said Police Chief Pat Walsh. “Never before in the history of California has a city the size of Menifee established a police department. Today is a big day!” he added. The department will employ 58 sworn officers and 17 professional staff over the next 12 months.

Also included in the Resolution is a directive to the City Manager to issue notice to the County in regards to the transition of police services from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to the newly formed Menifee Police Department. “The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has been an excellent partner to the City for past 11 years-policing the City since incorporation,” said Villa. “The decision to form a municipal police department is purely one of financial feasibility and local control. We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.”

City and police department staff will continue to work closely with members of the sheriff’s department to ensure a successful transition in the coming months. “We have the utmost confidence in the leadership we have in place to guide this process effectively and efficiently,” said Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “This is an exciting time for our city and our residents. We can’t wait to welcome our men and women in uniform to the Menifee community.”