Menifee PD
MENIFEE – Less than six years into its existence, the Menifee Police Department is searching for its fourth chief with the announcement in the past week that Chief Chris Karrer was retiring effective immediately. Operations Capt. Dave Gutierrez, who has been with the department since its inception in 2020, has been appointed interim chief.
“We are confident in his leadership during this transition,” Menifee Communications and Government Affairs Director Philip Southard wrote in response to questions concerning the sudden transition.
“Next steps are still being determined,” Southard wrote, an indication that the search for a new chief had not been planned.
The nascent department, with 93 sworn personnel and a $40 million budget, has experienced growing pains, including the arrest last summer of an officer charged with more than a dozen felonies, including sexual assaults on and off duty.
“As I reflect on a fulfilling career, I am very thankful for my time here in Menifee and am looking forward to my retirement,” Karrer said in a statement issued last Thursday.
When asked whether the retirement was voluntary or requested, Southard wrote, “I can confirm that he has filed his retirement paperwork with CalPERS.”
The Progress has reached out to both the city and former Chief Karrer for further explanation.
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