Murrieta Police Captain Matt Henry To Become Chief At Year's End

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta Police Chief Anthony Conrad announced earlier this week that he will retire at the end of the year and now his successor has been named.

Murrieta Police Department Captain Matt Henry will take over as the city's police chief when Conrad retires Dec. 30.

"I have worked alongside Matt for the last four years," 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."

Before his end-of-year retirement, Conrad will work with Henry to help prepare the incoming chief, the city said.

When Conrad announced on Aug. 5 that he would be stepping down, Murrieta City Manager Kim Summers said his replacement would come from within the department's captain ranks. Henry will be the city's eighth police chief and the Murrieta Police Department’s fourth internal promotion to the agency's top rank, according to the city.

Henry has 24 years of law enforcement experience, beginning in March 2000 with the San Diego Police Department. In November of 2005, he came to the Murrieta Police Department and served in several special assignment roles, including patrol, SWAT, internal affairs, and administration, the city said.

Henry has served as Murrieta police captain for four years, managing both the operations and support sides of the department, according to the city.

"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," Summers said. "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."

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, according to the city.

Henry and his wife, Alyssa, live in the community and have four children: Jacob, Kaelyn, Emry, and Ella.

Conrad has served 30 years in law enforcement — 21 of which were with the Murrieta Police Department. Read more about his retirement: Murrieta Police Chief Tony Conrad Announces Retirement