PD 'trusts community to do what is right' during curfew

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The chief of Menifee’s Police Department today acknowledged the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew instituted by Gov. Gavin Newsom effective Saturday, saying, “MPD trusts the community to do what is right.”

Without directly addressing the issue of enforcement (or lack of) of the curfew, Chief Pat Walsh said in a prepared statement that any police presence during those hours would consist of calls for service “considered in order of priority.”

Newsom announced the curfew for all California counties that are in the purple tier – those with the highest rate of COVID-19 cases. Only essential trips outside the home after 10 p.m. are allowed, although Newsom added that members of the same household could be out after that hour if they don’t interact with anyone else.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a statement on Thursday that the Sheriff’s Department would not respond to calls that were only for non-compliance of the curfew.

Here is the complete statement by Menifee PD Chief Walsh:

“The Menifee Police Department, like the rest of the community, is doing its part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Like all cities and counties in California, we received the additional guidance from the State regarding the new limited stay-at-home order between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. beginning on Nov. 21. Any calls for service related to this would be considered in order of priority, as we do for all calls for service.

“MPD trusts the community to do what is right and is grateful for how understanding, respectful, and diligent everyone has been during these trying times. We will continue to serve our community in our law enforcement duties and live up to our mission: We Deliver an Experience Where People Feel Unified, Engaged and Safe.”

Gina Gonzalez, economic development director for the City of Menifee, said she did not believe the 10 p.m. curfew would have a major impact on local businesses, which already are under several restrictions.

“The Governor’s curfew is a welcome relief that businesses would not have to shut down entirely,” Gonzalez said. “At a time when our businesses are being severely impacted in their ability to serve the demand in our city and surrounding communities, the current order of a curfew will narrowly impact our businesses, as many do not operate between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.”

Also on Thursday, the Riverside County Health Department released a statement asking residents to keep holiday gatherings “smaller, shorter and safer.” Guidelines included keeping family gatherings small, eating outside, and keeping gatherings to “an hour or two.”