TEAM - Menifee Police Department

MENIFEE POLICE CHIEF

PATRICK A. WALSH

As the first-ever Chief of the freshly-minted Menifee Police Department, Patrick A. Walsh is focused on the task and opportunity at hand.

“We’re assembling a talented, dedicated and experienced team,” said Chief Walsh. “We’re all looking forward to July 2020, when the Menifee Police Department officially rolls out and begins serving this amazing, growing community.”

Walsh knows a thing or two about dedication and experience. A decorated 35-year law enforcement veteran and graduate of the prestigious United States Naval Postgraduate School – Center for Homeland Defense and Security, he is also respected throughout the law enforcement community as a training-focused reformer and leader.

Walsh began his law enforcement career as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff in 1984 before transferring to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992. Walsh served the people of Portland for 22 years, many spent as an undercover narcotics investigator assigned to a Federal Drug Interdiction Task Force. During this time, Walsh also received a Chief’s commendation for his work in dismantling a multi-state drug distribution ring and served as a supervising sergeant for the Narcotics and Vice Unit.

Today, Walsh is building a dedicated, driven and innovative police force for the city of Menifee and its people. His swearing-in alongside inaugural Captains Christopher M. Karrer and David A. Gutierrez at a Menifee City Council meeting on Nov. 20, 2019, represented a strong start.

“Both of these Captains bring a variety of talent,” said Walsh. “They both have a complete heart for the community and a big heart for police work. They were completely engaged in the communities they came from, and have already hit the ground running here, sharing all kinds of ideas about building a community-oriented police department. This is a good, core team to put the Police Department together around.”

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF

OPERATIONS

MENIFEE POLICE CAPTAIN

CHRISTOPHER M. KARRER

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.”

MENIFEE POLICE CAPTAIN

DAVID A. GUTIERREZ

Menifee Police Department Captain David A. Gutierrez is no stranger to law enforcement “startups” during his career.

Captain Gutierrez began his law enforcement career in 2002 with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, serving as a jail deputy, gang intelligence deputy and patrol deputy. Then, in November 2006, he was named an inaugural police officer with the newly-formed Citrus Heights Police Department.

Following work as a field training officer and gang and narcotics detective, Gutierrez was promoted to Citrus Heights Police Department Sergeant in 2013. In this role, he served as a supervisor for patrol, traffic and defensive tactics before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. As Lieutenant, Gutierrez served as a patrol watch commander, special operations lieutenant, professional standards and training lieutenant and the department’s public information officer.

“That was amazing to be a part of it, I was able to see all of the successes along with the challenges,” said Gutierrez. “Most cops never get the opportunity to be part of a start-up even once, let alone twice. So when this opportunity came up, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. Citrus Heights Police Department’s success was built on customer service and community engagement. Upon meeting Chief Walsh, it was clear to me his vision and passion were rooted in customer service and community engagement as well.”

During his law enforcement career, Gutierrez has also led many specialty units, including traffic, problem-oriented policing, code enforcement, animal services, crime scene investigation and property, and evidence. At the Menifee Police Department, Gutierrez looks forward to utilizing his diverse skillset and background to build strong relationships and deliver the highest quality of law enforcement services.

“Our customer service model will be exceptional, so the community knows we’ll always be there for them, and a phone call to us will never be a bother,” said Gutierrez. “It’s really exciting. We have an opportunity to really build strong and lasting relationships here, externally and internally.”

INVESTIGATIONS AND SUPPORT SERVICES

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

MENIFEE POLICE LIEUTENANT

DENISE KEITH

Lieutenant Denise Keith began her law enforcement career in Texas in 2005 and brings over 14 years’ experience to the Menifee Police Department, including a year and half with the Denton County Sheriff’s Department and over 12 years with the Addison Police Department. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and supervised both the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Prior to that, she served as sergeant for four years, spending time supervising patrol shifts, criminal investigations, and deployment.

Lieutenant Keith earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas. She also graduated from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA) – School of Executive Leadership and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA) – School of Police Supervision. “I’m honored to bring my experience to the Menifee Police Department and to serve the community alongside the men and women who will be coming on board,” said Keith.

Lieutenant Keith grew up on the west coast and decided to relocate to California to be closer to family. She enjoys long walks on the ocean floor and you can usually find her scuba diving or with her family in her spare time.

MENIFEE POLICE LIEUTENANT

HERIBERTO GUTIERREZ

Lieutenant Heriberto Gutierrez began his career in law enforcement at the age of 14 when he joined the Police Explorer program with the City of South Gate Police Department. In 2000 he graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy as a City of South Gate police officer. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, gang officer, field training officer, SWAT officer, and narcotics detective.

In 2013 Lieutenant Gutierrez earned both his bachelor of science in Criminal Justice Management and a promotion to patrol sergeant. After his promotion, he supervised various specialized units, including the department’s Crime Impact Team (gang unit), SWAT team, and the Field Training Program. As a supervisor for the Field Training Program, Gutierrez took a lead role in creating an Active Shooter Response Program for officers and civilian employees alike, as well as implemented a paperless documentation and management system for the program.

Said Gutierrez, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served in South Gate for so many years, but I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experiences from that city in southeast Los Angeles County out to the City of Menifee.”

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

INTRODUCTION VIDEO - SPANISH

MENIFEE POLICE LIEUTENANT

ABIGAIL VALLE

Lieutenant Abigail Valle comes to Menifee with a 16 year history in law enforcement with the Huntington Park Police Department. Her experience ranges from gang task force operations, gang suppression task force, undercover narcotic take-downs, patrol, investigations bureau, field training officer, public information officer, youth counselor and at-risk youth programming, crisis negotiation team, special weapons and tactics, mental health evaluations team, and was responsible for new recruits and hiring new personnel.

Lieutenant Valle is a graduate of the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, and holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communications, with an emphasis in public relations, and a Minor Degree in English from California State University Fullerton. She has been married for 11 years to a police officer, and together they have three children.

“We are excited to have Lieutenant Valle join the Police Department team and family,” said Chief Walsh. “Valle has hit the ground running and has already proven to be a critical part of the team making strides in assisting the team with gearing up for key programs that the department will roll out when we start in July.”

SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER

DANITA ROBERTSON

Originally from Daly City, California, Support Services Manager Danita Robertson began her law enforcement career as a Police Records Specialist at the Santa Ana Police Department in 1996. During nearly seven years there, she promoted to Senior Specialist and then to Lead Records Specialist. In 2002, she was selected as Vernon Police Department’s Records Manager. Initially challenged with assessing and adjusting any procedural issues she encountered, Manager Robertson was instrumental in establishing protocols for her division and other department factions having an impact on law enforcement records management and audits conducted by the California Department of Justice. In 2005, she was assigned to the department’s fiscal office, acquiring the duties of purchase requisitions and contracts, and preparation and monitoring of the department’s yearly budget.

Manager Robertson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2015, she earned her Master of Public Administration degree, with an emphasis on Management and Leadership, from California State University, Northridge (Summa Cum Laude).

Manager Robertson brings 23 years of civilian experience to Menifee PD, with over 18 years in supervision. She is excited to be a member of the department’s founding family, citing the unique opportunity to participate in the creation of the agency’s culture.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SHEILA LAWTON

Sheila Lawton is a seasoned Executive Assistant with over 25 years in the field. She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and correspondence. Having held many positions in the transporation, manufacturing, and worked for two large Information Techonology companies.

Sheila has experience in Executive Support, Business Analyst for internal systems and processes, Project Management Skills, Facility Management Skills, and extensive Administrative experience in the front and back office. Her strengths include, strong leadership, solid communication skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to change expeditiously.

Sheila has increased efficiency in several of her assigned roles, and is very effective at teaching new trainees, mentoring, and leading a department with very minimum direction.

She is an experienced Executive Assistant with management skills and an excellent combination of smarts, determination, interpersonal skills, and a great work ethic with a very strong undercurrent fueling the success of any organization or department.

In addition, to her duties, Sheila is also active in the community as a Special Olympics Coach for the City of Menifee. She is very passionate and enjoys working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, both in the community and at home.

MENIFEE POLICE SENIOR PERSONNEL AND TRAINING ANALYST

TIFFANI SIK

As the Menifee Police Department’s first civilian staff member, Senior Personnel and Training Analyst Tiffani Sik is in a unique position. She couldn’t be more excited about and grateful for the opportunity.

“I really enjoy working with everyone in this law enforcement family,” said Sik. “To be part of a team that is creating something that will leave a legacy in the community is, to me, priceless.”

Sik joined the Menifee Police Department in September 2019, bringing with her nearly 20 years of public service experience, including 15 years with the Murrieta Police Department and Code Enforcement. Prior to that, she worked with the County of Riverside in Code Enforcement and the Moreno Valley Unified School District in Career Development.

In her newly created role with the Menifee Police Department, Sik will oversee a variety of important duties, ranging from serving as a liaison with the Human Resources department to facilitating job interviews, background checks, training programs and more.

“I get to be part of the journey of everybody we hire and help facilitate those journeys,” said Sik.

“Tiffani is an incredible hire for the Police Department,” said Menifee Police Department Chief Pat Walsh. “She is a talented professional with an incredible work ethic.”