Former Lompoc chief named as Menifee's first police chief

The City of Menifee today took its most significant step so far in creating the city's own police department with the announcement that former Lompoc Police Chief Pat Walsh has been hired as Menifee's first Chief of Police.

Walsh, a 35-year veteran of law enforcement, was selected from a pool of 49 applicants from nine states and six foreign countries, according to a City of Menifee news release. A six-week selection process included interviews with City Manager Armando Villa, city executive staff members, community members and regional public safety leaders.

Walsh will assume his new duties April 2. He will be sworn in once the state-mandated peace officer clearance process is completed. He will spend the next 14 months in overseeing creation of the Menifee Police Department, including hiring of personnel, acquisition of equipment, supervising renovation of the old City Hall as the police headquarters, and other matters. According to Villa, the start-up date for the police department is July 1, 2020.

Last November, the Menifee City Council approved a resolution to create the city's own police department. The city's contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for police protection will end as part of that transition.

"We are very confident we found the ideal leader for the new Menifee Police Department," said Villa. "Chief Walsh has an outstanding reputation, an impressive track record, and sets the bar high for Menifee’s Police Department.

"As a visionary leader, he is an experienced team builder and expert communicator who acts with the highest level of respect, fairness and compassion. In addition, Chief Walsh possesses the desired attributes and characteristics of a police chief identified by the community members in a workshop in January. He is the best fit for the needs of the Menifee community, and our new Police Department."

Walsh served as Police Chief in Lompoc from September 2014 until January 2019. Among the items he focused on there was improving the department's relationship with the community and boosting officer morale, integrity and ethics.

In addition, Walsh was named to the California Police Chiefs' Association Board of Directors, representing municipal police chiefs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties.

Walsh is a graduate of the United State Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1984. He transferred to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992 and stayed for 22 years, including several years as an undercover narcotics investigator. He received a Chief’s commendation for his work in dismantling a multi-state drug distribution ring.

As a Police Captain in Portland, Walsh was responsible for as many as 400 police personnel. He commanded the Tactical Operations Division, consisting of the city’s Gang Enforcement Teams, Gun Task Force, SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team and the Air Support Unit.

"Working together with Menifee’s executive team, the City Council, and Menifee’s growing community, we will create a safe, respectful and inclusive culture where people come first," Walsh said. "There is a lot of work to be done with starting a new police department, and I am very excited, and humbled, to be appointed as the inaugural Police Chief and can’t wait to get started.

"I appreciate the confidence by the City of Menifee community and leadership team and look forward to showcasing Menifee City Council’s commitment to its residents and businesses that public safety is Menifee’s highest priority."

Lompoc City Manager Jim Throop had high praise for Walsh.

"Chief Pat Walsh has done an outstanding job leading the Lompoc Police Department," Throop said. "He exemplifies community policing at its finest, and can always be found out in the neighborhoods, getting to know those his department serves and protects. Chief Walsh is well-loved in Lompoc, and his departure will leave a hole in the heart of the Lompoc Valley. We are grateful for Chief Walsh’s time with our city."

Walsh and his wife of 34 years, Catherine, plan to make their home in Menifee. The public is invited to a Meet & Greet Reception introducing Walsh to the community on April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the new Menifee City Hall, located at 29844 Haun Road. No RSVP’s are required.

For more information about the reception, contact City Hall at 951-672-6777 or email EconDev@cityofmenifee.us.