City of Murrieta Announces Appointment of New Police Chief

The City of Murrieta is pleased to announce the selection of Captain Matt Henry as the Murrieta Police Department's next Chief of Police. His appointment to the position will follow Chief Anthony Conrad's retirement later this year.

Captain Henry is the department's fourth internal promotion to Chief of Police. He comes with 24 years of law enforcement experience. He started his career with the San Diego Police Department in March of 2000 and lateraled to the Murrieta Police Department in November of 2005. Captain Henry has served the community in several special assignment roles, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Administration. Most recently, Henry spent the last four years as a Police Captain, managing both the Operations and Support sides of the department.

"Captain Henry has a wide range of law enforcement experience within our police department. He has shown his ability to effectively manage and build relationships, not only within the department but at City Hall as well. I know Captain Henry will foster those same relationships with the community in his new role as Police Chief," noted City Manager Kim Summers. "As with past police chief selections, being community-focused is a high priority. Our relationship with residents is what we are known for, and I know Captain Henry will ensure Murrieta remains a safe and connected city."

Captain Henry will be sworn in as Chief of Police later this year.

Chief Conrad feels strongly that Captain Henry is ready for this promotion and said, "I have worked alongside Matt for the last four years. He was the first Captain I promoted when I was appointed as Chief. He places a strong emphasis on building trust with staff and officers. I know that he will lead this department with professionalism and integrity. Matt will continue to hire the best, be a good steward of our police budget and keep Murrieta as one of the safest cities in the nation. I look forward to seeing him succeed as our next Police Chief."

Captain Henry holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University and a Master's Degree in Management from the University of Redlands. He is a graduate of both the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Executive Police Management School as well as the California POST Executive Development Program.

Captain Henry and his wife, Alyssa, live in the community, and they have four children: Jacob, Kaelyn, Emry, and Ella. He will be Murrieta's 8th Chief of Police.