The City of Murrieta has selected Captain Matt Henry as the city’s next chief of police. His appointment to the position will follow Chief Anthony Conrad’s retirement in December.
Henry, Murrieta’s 8th chief of police, will be sworn in later this year. He is the department’s fourth internal promotion to chief of police.
Henry brings 24 years of law enforcement experience to the role, having started with the San Diego Police Department in March of 2000 before joining the Murrieta Police Department in November 2005.
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,” City Manager Kim Summers said. “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. 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.”
Chief Conrad feels strongly that Captain Henry is ready for this promotion. “I have worked alongside Matt for the last four years,” Chief Conrad said. “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.”
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 and the California POST Executive Development Program.
Henry and his wife, Alyssa, reside in Murrieta with their four children.
