OPERATIONS DIVISION

Menifee Police Department Captain Christopher M. Karrer is thrilled for the newest chapter in his law enforcement career. The way he sees it, opportunities like this don’t come around every day.

“In 50 years from now, people will get to look back on what we started here,” said Captain Karrer. “We get to be creative, and we want everybody to have input into our direction. When you’re talking about coming in and starting a new police department, it’s all about providing service and connecting with your residents and business owners.”

Karrer began his public service career in 1994 when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He transitioned into law enforcement when he joined the Hemet Police Department in January 2000. From September 2001 until 2007, Karrer worked patrol duty for the Los Alamitos Police Department. He then entered the Detective Bureau in Los Alamitos, handling cases ranging from property to personal crimes – and even oversaw a homicide case featured in an online video production of “America’s Most Wanted.”

At Los Alamitos, Karrer was promoted to Corporal in 2012, Sergeant in 2013 and Captain in 2017 – where he led Department Operations and Support Services for the department. He developed not only his skill set but deep relationships with people all across the tight-knit, 4.5-mile Orange County community.

“This is just a rare opportunity for all of us,” said Karrer. “For me, this was about giving a community the amount and quality of service I was used to providing in Los Alamitos. At the end of the day, it’s all about providing that quality of life for the people who live, work and shop here. I want them to know that we’re here for them every single day.”