Menifee PD welcomes additional officers, personnel

The Menifee Police Department takes over law enforcement in the city on July 1. Here's a news release from the department about the most recent hires as the department completes its staffing. For more information on the Menifee Police Department, refer to our story here.


MENIFEE, CA - The City of Menifee Police Department welcomes exemplary officers and professional staff to the growing department. The new staff joined the Executive Team in preparing for the department launch on July 1, 2020.

Left to right – Back Row:

Officer Kevin Brooks served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure in the Marine Corps, he served as security for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense. Upon his honorable retirement from the military, Officer Brooks began his Law Enforcement career 21 years ago. He comes to us from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He brings experience in patrol, K9 operations, community outreach, Terrorism Liaison Officer, Active Shooter Response Instructor, Taser Instructor, Range Maser, and Police Explorer Advisor.

Officer Julie Silva began her law enforcement career in 2013 with Los Angeles Police Department. She has worked Southwest and Rampart Division. Officer Silva has worked patrol, USC Task force, Rampart Special Problems Unit, Crime Analysis Detail, and Criminal Intelligence Detail. Officer Silva has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.

Sergeant Donnis Crawford earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He comes to us from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department with 21 years’ experience. During his tenure, he served as a Patrol Officer, Jail Deputy, School Resource Officer, Gang Investigator, Crime Prevention Officer, and Homeless Outreach Liaison. Sergeant Crawford managed the trespassing enforcement for business owners and established a crime free housing program for apartments. He was a Field Training Officer and worked numerous Undercover Narcotic Operations. He is an instructor for biased based policing classes, and he is currently a member of the Riverside County C.A.R.E. Team (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly).

Officer Dustin Norwood earned his Bachelor’s Degree from California Baptist University in Interdisciplinary Studies. He began his Law Enforcement career 12 years ago with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, where he served in the Correction Division. In 2017, he joined the San Bernardino Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer.

Crime Analyst Nicole Epps earned her Associates Degree in Science at Mt. San Jacinto Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Cal Baptist University in Riverside, and a Data Analytics Master’s Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Epps started her career 15 years ago with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. She obtained a Crime and Intelligence Certification from the University of Riverside. During her tenure, Epps played a crucial role in implementing innovative quality of life solutions for the community. The last three years, Epps worked in the Special Investigations Bureau and served as the Senior Crime Analyst within the Central Crime and Intelligence Unit.

Officer Joshua Ramirez began his career in law enforcement when he was 14 years old by joining the Police Explorer program with the Ontario Police Department. In 2011, he joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and served in the Patrol and Detention Divisions. He comes to us with experience as a field training officer, K9 handler, and a tactical team member.

Officer Nicholas Martin earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University. He comes to us from the San Bernardino Police Department for with over 12 years’ experience. During his tenure with San Bernardino PD, he conducted investigations ranging from thefts to homicides. He served as a Field Training Officer and enjoys teaching new officers

Officer Terence York earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He began his career in Law Enforcement in 2007 and comes to us from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. He served in the Detention and Patrol Divisions, and brings experience as a Tactical Team member, Bailiff, Field Training Officer, and K9 Handler. Officer York has been recognized as the Auto Theft Officer for several years. Prior to his Law Enforcement career, he served in the United States Army, where he was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Officer Alfred Villanueva started his Law Enforcement career over five years ago San Diego Police Department. Officer Villanueva brings experience as a Field Training Officer. Prior to his career in Law Enforcement, he served in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman and deployed to Afghanistan.

Officer Joshua Fernandez earned his Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. He began his Law Enforcement Career over four years ago with the San Diego Police Department and brings experience as a Field Training Officer.

Officer Michael Turrell served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. After serving in the military, Officer Turrell began his Law Enforcement career with the Arcadia Police Department in 2010. He brings experience as a Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator and Honor Guard member. Officer Turrell earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern California.

Left to right – Front Row:

Investigative Specialist II Laura Barnes comes to us from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. She began her Law Enforcement career in 1996 working in the Child Support Division at the DA’s Office. During her tenure with San Bernardino County SO, Barnes served in several capacities to include Property and Evidence Technician and Sheriff’s Service Specialist. Barnes was assigned to the Detective Bureau, where she assisted with investigations, and crime scenes.

Officer Christopher Johnson started his Law Enforcement career in 2015 and comes to us from the San Diego Police Department, where he served in the patrol division.

Officer Kevin Steinhauser started his Law Enforcement career with the Long Beach Unified School District in 2014. He comes to us from the Los Alamitos Police Department, where he served as the School Resource Officer, Explorer Advisor, Terrorism Liaison Officer, and Cyber Liaison Officer.

Officer Amber Marcinko earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Arizona State University. She started her Law Enforcement career about five years ago with the San Diego Police Department. During her tenure with SDPD, she worked closely with the Quality of Life team to address homeless issues within the community and with our Psychiatric Emergency Response Team.

Records Technician Marta Rodriguez began her Law Enforcement career 23 years ago with the Corona Police Department. During her tenure with the Corona Police Department, she held various positions, including Senior Office Assistant and Lead Records Technician. In 2017, Rodriquez was promoted to City Clerk Services Specialist. Rodriquez is a member of the California Peer Support, the California City Clerks Association (CMC), and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Rodriquez earned her Associate of Arts Degree in Humanities and an Associate of Science Degree in Natural Science.

Community Service Officer II Krista Williams started her Law Enforcement career with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in the Business Office at Cois Byrd Detention Center. She attended the Dispatch Academy and was assigned to the Dispatch Center in Riverside for a short time before becoming a CSO, where she was assigned to the Southwest Station.

Community Service Office II Maria Romero began her Law Enforcement over 13 years ago and comes to us from the San Bernardino Police Department. She is very excited to be partof  something as grand as the inauguration of a police department, and she is particularly proud to see our flag on our vehicles.

Community Service Officer II Victoria Perez began her law enforcement career in 2008 as a Sheriff Service Officer with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. In 2012 she was promoted to Community Service Officer and performed patrol duties in the city of Menifee. She was also assigned to the Investigations Bureau as the Sex Registration Coordinator. CSO Perez earned Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Brandman University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Left to right:

Officer Andrew Morse earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University in Nebraska. He comes to us from the Cypress Police Department with about three and half years’ experience. He has a background as a Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Homeless Liaison Officer, and Traffic Collision Reconstruction. Prior to becoming a Police Officer, he served in the United States Air Force for seven years, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Officer Rochelle Hunter has earned two Associates Degrees. She has also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State Fullerton. Officer Hunter began her career four years ago with the La Palma Police Department and served as the Terrorism Liaison Officer and on the Orange County Peer Support Team. She received two Lifesaving awards, DUI MADD Award, Top Cop award, Marksman Medal and a Unit Citation award for the arrest of two Human Trafficking suspects.

Officer Tyquan Thomas began his law enforcement career in 2012 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and served in the detention and patrol divisions. Officer Thomas is an experienced traffic investigator.

Officer “Houstan” Downey earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Cal State San Bernardino and an Associate’s Degree in Networking and Administration from the ITT Technical Institute. He comes to us from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office with over four years of experience. Prior to his law enforcement career, Officer Downey served in the United States Navy as a Master at Arms.

Not Pictured:

Officer Danny Beare earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management. He comes to us from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with 14 years’ experience. He served in the detention, patrol and traffic divisions, and brings experience as a multi-enforcement, gang, and narcotics team member. Officer Beare is a certified firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness instructor.

“I continue to be proud and amazed at the men and women who chose to be a part of the new Menifee Police Department. We have created an amazing team! It's a team I know the community will be proud of as well. We are all looking forward to providing Menifee with premier customer service.”
–Chief Pat Walsh

To learn more about the Menifee Police Department, please call 951-723-1500 or visit www.MenifeePolice.org. or the City’s website at www.cityofmenifee.us .