NAACP and MPD continue to build a strong relationship of service together
MURRIETA – The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Branch 1034 met with Chief Tony Conrad and the Murrieta Police Department (MPD) on Oct. 30 for an update on the department and to honor Chief Conrad on his upcoming retirement.
For eight years, the Murrieta Police Department and the NAACP have worked together in service to the community. With regular meetings and coordinated events, they have exemplified building bridges between law enforcement and civil rights.
At the recent meeting, Branch Executive Committee members had the opportunity to ask questions of Chief Conrad and his command staff and to offer suggestions. Some of the issues discussed were racial discrimination in schools and the proactive presence of the MPD School Resource Officers (SROs) who are stationed district-wide. Chief Conrad and the department provided information on the School Resource Officer Academy training. They also emphasized that officers are in the schools to be visible and build relationships; they are not there as enforcers.
Students get to know their school officer as a friendly, supportive presence. SROs are encouraged to become part of the culture of the school, so any student can approach them with concerns. SROs work closely with the school administration to handle any disturbances.
Another question was whether there are problems with gangs in the Murrieta schools. Chief Conrad clarified that juvenile gangs are not much of an issue in Murrieta. Lieutenant Jim Gruwell relayed a situation in which a group of students was displaying gang tendencies. The SRO held an event for them and their parents to teach them about gang issues, and the behavior subsided thereafter.
Chief Conrad also shared about the Murrieta/Temecula Regional Gang Task Force where numerous departments are monitoring any gang activity in Southwest Riverside County.
The MPD Citizens Police Academy was also discussed. In its 11th year, the 12-week academy Is “designed to increase public awareness and understanding of the Police Department’s operations.” Open to any Murrieta citizen over the age of 21 who would like to learn about law enforcement in our city, information about the program can be found at the MPD website: https://www.murrietaca.gov/364/Citizens-Police-Academy.
A consistent message throughout the meeting is that the Murrieta Police Department wants the community to know they can go to them with any concerns. Chief Conrad said, “we police Murrieta exactly how they want to be policed.” The department’s mission is: In partnership with our community, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality police service to enhance community safety, protect life and property and reduce crime.
The NAACP Branch 1034 also answered questions from the MPD about its organization and activities. The branch meets on the 4th Saturday of each month at Grace & Truth Worship Ministry, 31620 Auto Center Drive, Lake Elsinore, where all are welcome to attend. In addition, the organization holds events, supports local students of color with scholarships, participates in community activities and also has a newly reactivated Youth Council.
The branch leadership offered suggestions for police involvement with the Black Community in the schools and the city.
At the meeting, the Branch officers surprised Chief Conrad with a plaque and certificate in appreciation for his friendship in light of his upcoming retirement in December. Captain Matt Henry will assume the duties of Chief of Police when Chief Conrad retires.
Branch President Myles Ross presented the award and stated, “We wish to thank Chief Conrad and the Murrieta Police Department for the positive relationship with our branch. Chief Conrad was always welcoming, transparent, and responsible to our issues and that of our community. We wish him all the best with his retirement. We look forward to continuing the positive relationship with Chief Henry and the department and wish him all the best as well.
Chief Conrad closed out the meeting with his thanks to the branch, “Thank you, NAACP Branch 1034, for the partnership we’ve developed over the last eight years! I was honored to be recognized by your organization. From retired Chief Hadden to myself, we have enjoyed the valuable relationship. I know we have learned a lot from each other as we discuss the best way to police Murrieta. I have no doubt incoming Chief Henry will continue to foster the relationship in 2025. Murrieta PD truly is Partners with our Community!”
The NAACP Branch 1034 invites all community members to join us in building bridges within the community. We are a nonpartisan organization which aims to further understanding and civility in our public discourse. We represent the communities of Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Corona, Norco, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, Menifee and Perris. Please visit our website at https://www.naacpbranch1034.org.
Founded in 1909 by an interracial group of Americans, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. The mission of the NAACP is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
