Murrieta Police Chief Anthony Conrad has announced his retirement, effective December 30. Serving the Murrieta community since 2003, Conrad was sworn in as police chief in December 2020. He is the seventh police chief in the department’s 32-year history.
Conrad started his law enforcement career with the San Diego Police Department in February of 1995. During that time, Conrad worked in both East San Diego and Clairemont serving as a field training officer and primary response team member on the SWAT team.
Over the last 21 years, Conrad has worked several assignments, including patrol, investigations, SWAT, communications, administration, and operations captain.
In 2011, Conrad helped lead the effort to start the department’s first social media program. Since December 2020, Conrad has hired nearly 90 new police employees and promoted 35 officers and staff. Today, the Murrieta Police Department employs 114 officers and 71 professional staff members, including 32 police and fire
dispatchers.
Under Conrad’s leadership, the department navigated through the pandemic and at the same time adopted cutting-edge technology to better police the city and connect with residents. The technology included automated license plate reader cameras, body-worn cameras, unmanned aerial drones, Carbyne live video, 5G handheld radios, and Live 911.
Additionally, Conrad led the department through a partnership with the Menifee Police Department to dispatch for its city. The Murrieta Police and Fire Communications Center now dispatches all calls for service for the Menifee Police Department, Murrieta Police Department, and Murrieta Fire & Rescue.
“Chief Conrad has built a well-respected, community-focused, and forward-thinking department that utilizes new technology and resources to remain trustworthy to residents,” City Manager Kim Summers said. “I am sad to see Chief Conrad leave, but I thank him for his years of service and ensuring Murrieta remains one of the safest cities in the nation. I wish him the best.”
Summers will appoint a new police chief from within the captain ranks of the police department’s leadership team. Conrad will work closely with the newly selected police chief until his retirement date. That announcement is expected to be made in the near future.
