Police chief Walsh on first day on duty: 'Morale is high'

Menifee Police Department patrol cars roll out to begin a community parade June 30. Hours later, they began official patrols. Photo courtesy City of Menifee

Eighteen hours into the first shift in the history of the Menifee Police Department, Chief Pat Walsh tried to put an emotional day into words as he addressed the Menifee City Council Wednesday night.

“The reaction of the community has been heartwarming,” Walsh said. “After the parade, we all came back to the station. One of the officers told me it was the best night he’s ever had. Another said he’s never worked in a community that supports the police like he just witnessed. Morale is definitely high.”

Walsh said between midnight – when the first units rolled out to patrol the streets – until 6 p.m. Wednesday, the department had made its first five arrests. They ranged from a suspect with misdemeanor warrants to elder abuse to public intoxication. Six crime reports had already been taken.

Menifee 24/7 has inquired of Menifee PD regarding the system in which crime reports will be available to the media. We will continue to post newsworthy items on the fight against crime in the city.

The non-emergency phone number for residents to call is 951-677-4964.

“People were so appreciative to see and meet the officers,” Mayor Bill Zimmerman said about the parades on six different routes through the city Tuesday night.

On behalf of Menifee PD, Walsh presented plaques of appreciation to City Council members for their support during the creation and launch of the department.