Murrieta Police Department 2024 Annual Report by cityofmurrieta

"PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITY"

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

As the Chief of Police for the Murrieta Police Department, it is my honor to present the 2024 Annual Report This report highlights our department’s unwavering commitment to public safety, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence in policing Over the past year, we have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and remained dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident and visitor Our mission is clear and essential: to protect, serve, and build strong partnerships founded on trust and respect Our officers, dispatchers, and professional staff have demonstrated steadfast commitment to reducing crime, upholding best practices, and strengthening relationships within the community. By leveraging innovative technology, comprehensive training, and collaboration with local organizations, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our growing city

Our mission is clear and essential: to protect, serve, and build strong partnerships founded on trust and respect.

In 2024, we introduced several key programs to enhance public safety and inclusivity We launched the Live 911 system, enabling officers in the field to hear 911 calls in real-time, improving response times and situational awareness. The Blue Envelope Program was implemented to facilitate better communication between law enforcement and individuals with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, or anxiety, ensuring more inclusive and informed interactions Additionally, we reinstated the Every 15 Minutes program, a powerful awareness campaign educating high school juniors and seniors on the dangers of impaired driving

This report provides a comprehensive look at our efforts, including crime statistics, community outreach programs, and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety While we celebrate our progress, we remain committed to continuous improvement Transparency, accountability, and quality service remain at the heart of our mission as we move forward into 2025

On behalf of the Murrieta Police Department, I extend my sincere gratitude to our officers, dispatchers, professional staff, community partners, and, most importantly, the residents of Murrieta for their ongoing support Together, we will continue to make our community safer and stronger

Please enjoy the 2024 Annual Report, and thank you for your trust in the Murrieta Police Department

Matt Henry, Chief of Police

Casey Bostrom

OUR CITY OUR CITY

Murrieta is situated in Southwest Riverside County, California With a population of 121,207*, Murrieta continues to grow and thrive, which can be seen throughout the city with the construction of new housing communities, commercial properties, and shopping centers The City of Murrieta is approximately 35 4 square miles and home to 53 parks and 5 fire stations In 2024, the City of Murrieta facilitated the reopening of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort to the public after 29 years and an extensive renovation Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a wellnessbased resort that offers a variety of pools, overnight accommodations, a spa, dining options, and a fitness center The city also welcomed our first Trader Joe’s and continues to bring the community together with downtown market nights, music festivals, and various community events throughout the year

We responded to 70,145 calls for service.

We made 1,720 arrests We processed 5,125 items as evidence.

66%

We processed 5,863 police reports. Felony Arrests Misdemeanor Arrests

34%

We handled 698 traffic collision reports.

Our Regional Communications Center dispatches for the Murrieta Police Department, the Menifee Police Department, and Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Our Community Policing Team (CPT) and Community Behavioral Assessment Team (CBAT) provide innovative and comprehensive solutions to quality of life issues facing our community while partnering with social outreach organizations

The Training Unit schedules and nisters state-mandated and industrybest practice training to enhance officers’ knowledge, skills, and tactics

OUR DEPARTMENT OUR DEPARTMENT

General Detectives is staffed with detective who investigate homicides, sex crimes, robberies, financial crimes, property crimes and more

Our Traffic Unit consists of 6 traffic officers, 2 traffic investigators, and 2 DUI enforcement officers, for a total of 10 officers and their Sergeant

Community Service Officers (CSOs) perform a variety of non-sworn duties including basic criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and evidence collection

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

The

Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is prepared to serve high risk search and arrest warrants, perform hostage rescues, subdue barricaded suspects, and engage heavily-armed criminals The SWAT team is a collateral duty assignment and is comprised of Officers, Corporals, Sergeants and Paramedic/Fire Fighters from the Murrieta Police and Fire Department

The Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) responds to hostage situations, barricade incidents, or threats of suicide with SWAT

Department

teams that assist with apprehension, narcotics and gun detection, and public engagement

The Special Enforcement Team (SET) handles narcotics and gang enforcement, VICE operations, and other plain-clothed investigations

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program provides our agency an overhead view for various investigations

Officers on the Off Road Detail conduct enforcement in the rural areas of the city and address off road complaints

Our Social Media Team utilizes multiple social media outlets to communicate with our community, circulate information, request investigative assistance, and keep our community informed

Our 6 School Resource Officers (SROs) are part of our Juvenile Investigations Unit SROs are assigned to Murrieta Valley Unified School District schools and are responsible for the safety of the schools, students, and staff

Murrieta Police

has 6 K9

PROFESSIONAL STAFF PROFESSIONAL STAFF

There are many components within law enforcement that the public may not see The Murrieta Police Department values the impeccable work of our professional staff who operate behind the scenes to ensure our organization runs smoothly Our CAD/RMS Administrators are responsible for maintaining, coordinating, and administering public safety data systems, including the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS), and providing technical assistance to police and fire departments while collaborating with IT staff, vendors, and other agencies. The Crime Analysis Unit supports all divisions within the Police Department with administrative tasks and investigative support including preparing statistical reports and analyzing crime trends, arrests records, and other data to establish patterns, make correlations, and assist with the identification of suspects Property and Evidence Technicians are responsible for the meticulous documentation, storage, and preservation of evidence and property related to criminal investigations, ensuring integrity and chain of custody for legal proceedings Management Analysts support the Chief and Captains’ offices by overseeing police finances, budgets, contracts, and grants Our Administrative Assistant

CAD/RMS ADMINISTRATORS CAD/RMS ADMINISTRATORS

CRIME ANALYSIS UNIT

PROPERTY & EVIDENCE TECHNICIANS

MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF

ENFORCEMENT TEAM PST II

handles payroll and general administrative duties, while our Chief’s Executive Assistant plays a critical role in providing strategic administrative support, overseeing the Chief’s schedule, coordinating high-level meetings, and managing the preparation of key reports and presentations In our Records Bureau, Police Services Technicians (PST) are responsible for approving police reports, submitting cases to the District Attorney’s office for filing, as well as processing live scans, citations, subpoenas, report requests, and background checks The Investigations Bureau PST II provides administrative support to multiple units within the Support Division, processes and submits cases from our detectives to the District Attorney’s office for filing, manages court documents, and processes sex offender registrations Our Special Enforcement Team PST II performs a range of administrative duties, including reviewing and issuing CCW permits and massage business licenses within our city

REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

The Murrieta Police Department Regional Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Our dispatchers provide the highest quality service to the communities of Murrieta and Menifee Our dispatchers are also trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) which allows them the ability to provide critical life-saving instructions while emergency personnel are enroute to calls for service.

424,560 Communication Center Tasks

66,439 9-1-1 Calls

7,021 Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Calls

141,592 Police Incidents

12,372 Fire & Rescue Incidents

9-1-1 FOR KIDS PROGRAM 9-1-1 FOR KIDS PROGRAM

In 2008, Congress recognized April as 9-1-1 Education Month. In 2024, Murrieta Dispatch collaborated with Murrieta Fire & Rescue to bring back the “911 for Kids” program. The program is designed to introduce students between first and third grade to 9-1-1 so they understand how it works and what to do if they have to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Students were shown a video and then had an interactive session in which they learned what type of incident constitutes an emergency and whether it was appropriate to dial 9-1-1 or call the non-emergency number The students then had a live Q&A session with our dispatcher presenters Given to nearly all the elementary schools in Murrieta, the presentation was seen by over 3,000 students Presenters included Dispatcher Sonia Hasso, Katelyn James, Audrey Allenson, Danielle Patterson, Shannon Johnson, Melissa Raymond, and Amber Evans along with Murrieta Fire representative, Dawn Morrison.

INNOVATION AND INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

Our Newest Technology: UAS Program Expansion

ALPR Advanced Features

In-Car Video System

Live 9-1-1 System

In 2024, the Murrieta Police Department upgraded our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system to include advanced features and analytics Some of the advanced search options include a visual search, convoy search, and multi-location search These new features have assisted our department with identifying more investigative leads and building stronger cases

In 2024, the Murrieta Regional Communications Center launched the Live 9-1-1 system When an emergency call comes into Dispatch, Live 9-1-1 sends it out simultaneously to first responders This allows officers in the field the ability to see the location of the caller on the map and listen to the phone call in real time In addition, first responders can hear the interaction between the caller and the call taker, get first-hand descriptions, listen to emotional tones, and gather an overall picture of the situation as it is happening This advance in technology provides enhanced situational awareness, improved accuracy, and faster response times

Since the launch of the very successful Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, the Murrieta Police Department

has expanded the team and their fleet of drones Currently, the department has 12 drones and 10 licensed pilots All drone operators must acquire and maintain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License and participate in department required training The expansion has allowed our department the ability to have drones more readily available to assist with critical incidents including searching for wanted and missing persons, documenting crime and accident scenes, and evaluating damage after a major incident or natural disaster

In March 2024, the Murrieta Police Department started the installation and implementation of an in-car video system for our fleet of police vehicles This video system will build on the already existing body worn camera program currently in place and allow for further transparency and evidence collection during its use

OUR TASK FORCE OFFICERS OUR TASK FORCE OFFICERS

The Riverside Auto-Theft Interdiction Detail (RAID) is a multi-agency task force that works to reduce vehicle theft in Riverside County RAID also hosts up-to-date training for local law enforcement agencies and shares crucial intelligence. In 2024, the RAID Team recovered 866 stolen vehicles (total recovery value $21,574,687) and made 204 arrests

The Central PACT Team focuses on "high risk" and "at-large" Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) offenders that pose the greatest risk to community safety In 2024, the Central PACT Team made 577 arrests and recovered 65 firearms (including 1 handmade explosive) Throughout the year, the team seized 10,888 grams of methamphetamine, 168 grams of heroin + fentanyl, and 65 grams of cocaine + mushrooms Central PACT also conducted 1,985 parole/probation searches and recovered 5 stolen vehicles

The Inland CrackDown Allied Task Force (INCA) is made up of special agents and officers from various law enforcement agencies Their mission is to target drug trafficking in the Inland Empire INCA focuses on cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and money laundering investigations. In 2024, INCA made 61 felony arrests and seized over $500,000 in US currency The team also seized 648 pounds of cocaine, 2,699 pounds of methamphetamine, 22 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 570,935 fentanyl pills

The Inland Empire Mail Theft Task Force was developed as a cooperative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and deter criminal offenses involving the United States Postal Service including mail theft, money laundering, identity theft, and other related crimes In 2024, the Inland Empire Mail Theft Task Force received more than 7,000 complaints regarding USPS crimes in Riverside County The Task Force conducted 28 search warrants, made 9 arrests, and recovered more than $160,000 in assets

OUR TASK FORCE OFFICERS OUR TASK FORCE OFFICERS

The Gang Impact Team (GIT) is supervised by the Riverside County District Attorney's (DA) Office and is comprised of Investigators from the DA‘s Office, Homeland Security (HSI), the US Marshal's Services (USMS), the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and local police departments The GIT team proactively handles firearm-related and violent crimes In 2024, the GIT team made 234 arrests, recovered 132 firearms, executed 52 search warrants, and assisted with 23 homicide investigations

The Murrieta Police Department currently houses and supervises the Murrieta / Temecula Regional Gang Task Force (GTF) This team handles gang related cases in Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Menifee In 2024, the Murrieta / Temecula Regional Gang Task Force made 228 arrests, recovered 16 firearms, and filed 63 criminal cases

The Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET) proactively monitors registered sex offenders to ensure their compliance with registration standards RCCET works to protect our community members through education, identification and by prosecuting those who commit internet crimes against children RCCET is also a member of the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) In 2024, RCCET reviewed about 5,000 cyber-tip referrals and made 152 arrests

The Computer and Technology High Tech Crime Response Unit (CATCH) is a multi-agency task force in Riverside County dedicated to assisting with criminal matters involving a high tech nexus CATCH has a fully functioning substation at Murrieta PD and assists with investigations such as Homicides, Sex Crimes and Social Media Threats In 2024, CATCH processed 1,473 devices (1,145 cell phones, 57 computers, 127 hard drives, 47 surveillance systems and 97 cloud/social media warrants) CATCH also assisted with 102 homicide investigations

K-9 K-9 KYRA AND ROBBIE KYRA AND ROBBIE

Kyra is a 1 5-year-old Belgian Malinois who joined our department in September 2024, and is our first ever Firearm Detection K9. Kyra’s sole purpose is Firearm Detection, which encompasses 7 different odors. In December 2024, Kyra received her certification for completing a 12-week training program consisting of 164 training hours and 1,976 searches Since her certification, Kyra has been called out on 7 different occasions, including search warrant services, probation searches, and a man with a gun. During those searches, Kyra assisted in the location of several firearms.

Robbie is a 3-year-old Belgian Shepherd who joined our department in May of 2024 Robbie’s specialty is assisting with locating subjects Robbie has worked hard to earn his patrol certification and will begin narcotics training in 2025. Since his debut, Robbie and his handler have assisted patrol numerous times, forcing subjects to surrender, which allows our officers the ability to make safe and successful arrests

KYRA

ROBBIE

KYRA

PARTNERS WITH OUR PARTNERS WITH OUR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

In April 2024, the Murrieta Police Department, in conjunction with several partnering agencies, hosted the Every 15 Minutes Program at Murrieta Mesa High School This program is sponsored by local businesses in the community and is a re-enactment of a fatal DUI traffic collision on the grounds of the high school followed by a mock funeral This emotionally charged program is designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol and using drugs It also challenges students to think about safe operation of their automobiles, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions

The YANA Program is one of the many valuable public services provided by the Murrieta Police Department and our wonderful team of volunteers YANA stands for “You Are Not Alone” and promotes peace of mind and a sense of security for the elderly or disabled who enjoy the independence of living alone but have no friends or family members available to check in on them with consistency YANA enrollees are regularly contacted via phone by a police volunteer During the phone call, the volunteer will confirm the welfare of the enrollee, schedule an in-home visit, or just have a casual conversation The YANA Program is provided free of charge to the residents of Murrieta

The Murrieta Police Department is proud to participate in the Blue Envelope Program. This program is designed to promote inclusivity and serve as an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members with a condition or disability where additional accommodations or awareness could be helpful The Blue Envelope Program works by allowing an individual to readily display the Blue Envelope logo or present a Blue Envelope upon contact with law enforcement or other community service personnel

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable places to live NNO enhances the relationship between residents and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community During NNO, the community has the opportunity to speak and interact with police officers in various assignments, as well as, participate in live demonstrations at booths set up throughout Town Square Park

2024 HIGHLIGHTS 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

On December 30, 2024, Chief Conrad retired after a 30 year notable law enforcement career and 21 years serving the City of Murrieta (4 of those years as Chief) His successor, Matt Henry was formally sworn in as the new Police Chief on December 2, 2024 Chief Henry started his career with the San Diego Police Department in March of 2000 and lateraled to the Murrieta Police Department in November of 2005 Chief Henry has served the community in several special assignment roles, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Administration (including the last 4 years as a Police Captain) Chief Henry is Murrieta’s 8th Chief of Police

In 2024, the Property and Evidence Unit became a Firearms Certified Specialist through the International Firearms Specialist Academy This equips our evidence staff with pertinent knowledge and invaluable skills related to firearms, ammunition, the Gun Control Act, and the National Firearms Act This new specialization allows our department to stay up to date with current firearm industry trends including the latest in firearm technology, silencers, untraceable firearms, and full-auto conversions.

New Career Path Opportunities - In 2024, two Detectives were promoted to the new rank of Detective III. Detective III’s are responsible for the supervision of investigations, case management, mentoring, and training new detectives The department also promoted two permanent Traffic Investigators Traffic Investigators are experts in fatal traffic collisions and reconstruction They also act as mentors and assist the Traffic Unit Sergeant with daily tasks In addition, the Traffic Unit added three additional positions in 2024 including one motor officer, one traffic officer, and one DUI enforcement officer.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

In November 2024, the Murrieta Police Department sold and proudly wore veteran patches to honor those who have served our country Murrieta has a long tradition of paying respect to America’s veterans, and our police department is proud to reinforce that sentiment Our department counts over 48 past and present veterans amongst our ranks who have transitioned to a career serving this community, after having served their country All of the patch proceeds went to MilVet and will be used to support our veterans, service members, and their families. In addition, the Murrieta Police Department has been selling and proudly wearing pink patches in October for the last two years to spread support and awareness for breast cancer All of the proceeds from the pink patches go to Michelle’s Place

The annual Baker-to-Vegas relay race was extra special this year Now retired, Chief Conrad, had the honor of running the final leg (20) and crossing the finish line for the department Baker-to-Vegas was first organized in 1985 and is a prestigious law enforcement relay race that starts in the city of Baker, California and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada The 120 mile foot race is made up of 20 legs that vary in lengths and difficulty. Murrieta PD started our Baker-to-Vegas journey in 1996, partnering with other agencies to run the race. In 2004, with less than 50 officers on the department, we ran the 99 Division as a solo department. We took 1st place that year For the next 16 years, we ran the 99 Division and took 1st place 11 times We now find ourselves in the very competitive 150 Division, where we are gaining ground and undoubtedly will take 1st place in that division at some point in the future

Partnering with allied agencies, sharing information, and sharing resources is essential to productive policing and building relationships In 2024, the Inyo County Sheriff's Department and the Susanville Police Department were looking for K9 vehicles K9 vehicles are specifically up-fitted for the health and safety and proper transportation of police K9s. With the recent addition of two new K9 vehicles for our handlers, the Murrieta Police Department was in a unique position to help After reviewing the status of our K9 fleet, and to ensure adequate resources for our department, our police chief authorized the sale of two K9 vehicles, one to each department We wish both agencies the best with their new vehicles