On October 18, 2018, a Special Meeting/Workshop was held to present the feasibility study that was conducted to show the feasibility of Menifee forming its own Police Department. The feasibility study showed that Menifee would be saving money.

On November 7th, the Menifee City Council unanimously voted in favor to authorize the Menifee City Manager to take initial steps to initiate the formation of the Menifee Police Department.  Since incorporation, the City of Menifee has contracted with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for Police Services, who have provided exemplary services under the contract. However, due to the ongoing rising police costs in the contract with the County Sheriff’s Department, the City has ventured into seeking other options for police services.

“This decision is one of the most important decisions that we make as a Council,” said Menifee Mayor, Bill Zimmerman.  “As proven by our unanimous vote, we are a unified Council that holds the safety of our residents to a very high standard.”

The resolution approved by the City Council gave staff direction to engage in efforts necessary to begin the process of forming Menifee’s own Police Department.  The initial steps include immediate recruitment and hiring of a Police Chief, development of a budget for Menifee Police Department to be approved by City Council, address facility, process, procedures, and contractual needs as determined by the City Manager and the future Police Chief, as well as develop a 12 month Notice-of-Intent to terminate the City’s current policing contract with the County of Riverside, a requirement set by the City’s current contract with the County.

The City of Menifee plans to begin the process for the immediate steps as listed in the resolution.  However, as stated by the Menifee City Attorney, Jeff Melching, the City must give 12 months’ notice to terminate its contract with Riverside Sheriff’s Department.  The notice will be sent upon the City Manager determining that the new Menifee Police Department will be fully operational after 12 month notice time frame.

“Having our own Police Department has been something I have been passionate about for a long time,” said Menifee District 2 Councilman, Matt Liesemeyer.  “Seeing this project come to fruition, I am full of pride knowing that our residents will be receiving the level of public safety they deserve.”

The City of Menifee is at a turning point in its short and exciting history. Public safety, more than any other function, is paramount to a viable and prosperous city. Yes traffic needs to be addressed and street maintained, but without public safety none of that matters.

For more information about the formation of Menifee Police Department, please contact, Armando Villa at (951) 672-6777.