'Safety Is Murrieta's Top Priority' City Declares Heading Into 2026

MURRIETA, CA — The City of Murrieta, together with the Police Department, has released an open letter to residents regarding public safety.

In April, Murrieta and Menifee were listed among California's Safest Cities, due to low property and violent crime. The2025 "Safest Cities Report" findings designated both Riverside County cities among the state's top 20 safest, with Murrieta at #16 and Menifee at #18. Whether Murrieta will return to that honor is unknown, after several events including a couple who was stabbed in their home, and two more stabbings since Halloween, have rocked the city.

The report examined data for 153 California cities, and the top 20 were extrapolated based exclusively on crime rates calculated from FBI data, according to Safewise.

On Wednesday, both the city and police shared the letter over social media, in light of recent events. Those events include two stabbings, one of them fatal, and several police and fire incidents across the city.

"Murrieta, we hear you!" writes Sgt. Schmidt, of the Social Media Community Policing Team. Schmidt is the mind behind the many social media videos and messages that show the active work of the police across town. On Christmas Eve, he shared the letter addressing community concerns.

"In light of recent events, we understand that many in our community have valid concerns and want reassurance that Murrieta remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. Your safety is, and will always be, our top priority.

"First and foremost, Murrieta is a safe city. While we cannot predict every challenge that may arise, we are committed to being proactive and intentional in addressing issues before they escalate. We will not stand by and allow problems to go unresolved. Instead, we are taking thoughtful and coordinated action to protect our community while treating people with dignity and respect.

"The Murrieta Police Department’s Community Policing Team has partnered closely with the City of Murrieta’s Community Services District, Municipal Services District, and outreach teams to address concerns involving unhoused individuals. This collaborative approach allows us to respond effectively, compassionately, and responsibly.

"While enforcement can sometimes be the easiest response, it is not always the most effective or lasting solution. Arresting individuals without addressing underlying issues often leads to a repeating cycle that benefits no one. That said, crimes are not ignored. When laws are broken, appropriate action is taken. Our goal is to strike a balance between accountability and solutions that yield real, long-term results.

"The City of Murrieta is committed to understanding the root causes of homelessness. Every individual has a unique story, and homelessness is not always related to substance abuse. We offer access to mental health services, emergency housing, medical care, and assistance in reconnecting individuals with family or support systems whenever possible.

"Over the past week, the Community Policing Team, along with our city partners, has met with local residents to hear their concerns directly. We discussed issues related to parks, lighting, fencing, and loitering, and we conducted walkthroughs of numerous parks, trails, open spaces, and flood control areas. We are happy to report that no encampments were discovered. Additionally, we have increased patrols in residential neighborhoods, business areas, parks, and parking lots to maintain a visible and proactive presence.

"If an encampment were to be identified, all involved teams would work together to make contact. Trespassing laws are explained, and outreach services are offered with the goal of connecting individuals to shelter and supportive resources. If those efforts are unsuccessful, enforcement action will follow.

"Murrieta, please remember that unhoused individuals are still people. Our approach is centered on safety, compassion, and accountability, using all available city resources to help those in need while protecting the community we all care about. Our outreach and enforcement efforts are ongoing, and we remain committed to working together to keep Murrieta safe.

"We do ask for your help. If you encounter an encampment in Murrieta, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. These situations will be addressed swiftly, appropriately, and collaboratively by the Community Policing Team and our city partners.

"We also believe that communication and transparency are essential. Moving forward, we will continue to share updates on our efforts, partnerships, and outcomes so our community can stay informed about the work being done. You deserve to know how your concerns are being addressed, and we are committed to keeping you updated as we move ahead together.

"Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. "

Already, over 150 residents have responded to the letter over social media, with many questions revolving around how to contact police for non-emergency situations, (the Non emergency dispatch number 951-696-3615) and how to report homeless encampments.

With many encampments along the Temecula and Murrieta border, the departments are in touch with one another to conduct cleanups, most recently at the Willows, in an open lot on the Temecula side.

"The Willows is in the city of Temecula. However, you will be happy to know that they were out there yesterday cleaning it up," Schmidt said.

One resident thanked Schmidt for reminding that "unhoused individuals are still people."

"It's so easy to alienate people whose journey we will never understand. Easy to love the lovable. Our safety is important but so is compassion and gratitude," she wrote. "I always love the satire and sass of your social media crew but I’m also grateful for empathy being the foundation of law enforcement and first responders. A helpers heart can’t be taught."

Still, another resident addressed the sentiment with an uneasy truth.

"An unhoused individual followed my wife out of CVS (on Jackson) last night all the way to her car," he wrote. "Who knows what would have happened if a man on a motorcycle didn’t intervene and pretend to be an old friend. Hopefully he was not successful in his search for an unsuspecting female victim."

No crime was committed, he said, so 911 was not called, the woman chimed in.

"Luckily I was paying attention and do appreciate the help from the stranger," she wrote. "I did not feel the need to call because I didn’t feel like I was in danger. I felt I was safe because the parking lot was busy and well lit. I would have raised a ruckus for sure and did what I need to do to defend myself. If the situation had been different I would have been calling. I got in my car right after and locked the doors. Drive home while looking to see where he had gone. He had left going west down Nutmeg."

Residents also praised the department for being involved and open with the community.

One residents summed it up, saying:

"Thank you for your kind and compassionate response to the homeless population. I think people forget that homeless people are still humans. We appreciate everything you do for our city Murrieta Police Department, Merry Christmas to all of you."

Read the full Murrieta Police Department statement, and comments here.

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