Lieutenant Denise Keith
Heriberto Gutierrez
The Menifee Police Department is continuing its growth in anticipation of the municipal agency’s expected rollout in July 2020. Two new Lieutenants recently joined the department and will be introduced at the March 4 City Council meeting. Lieutenants Denise Keith and Heriberto Gutierrez have assumed their command roles and have already become active members of the growing police department.
“Lieutenants Keith and Gutierrez bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the department and we’ve already seen that pay dividends,” said Police Chief Pat Walsh. “Whether it is through their expertise in designing our property and evidence facility or in assisting us in setting up our ongoing training program, these two professionals bring so much value to the department and to the community.”
Lieutenant Denise Keith began her law enforcement career in Texas in 2005 and brings over 14 years’ experience to the Menifee Police Department, including a year and half with the Denton County Sheriff’s Department and over 12 years with the Addison Police Department. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and supervised both the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Prior to that, she served as sergeant for four years, spending time supervising patrol shifts, criminal investigations, and deployment. Lieutenant Keith earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas. She also graduated from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA) – School of Executive Leadership and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA) – School of Police Supervision. Lieutenant Heriberto Gutierrez began his career in law enforcement at the age of 14 when he joined the Police Explorer program with the City of South Gate Police Department. In 2000 he graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy as a City of South Gate police officer. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, gang officer, field training officer, SWAT officer, and narcotics detective.
In 2013 Lieutenant Gutierrez earned both his bachelor of science in Criminal Justice Management and a promotion to patrol sergeant. After his promotion, he supervised various specialized units, including the department’s Crime Impact Team (gang unit), SWAT team, and the Field Training Program. As a supervisor for the Field Training Program, Gutierrez took a lead role in creating an Active Shooter Response Program for officers and civilian employees alike, as well as implemented a paperless documentation and management system for the program.
“We are excited to welcome these two decorated and dedicated officers to our community,” said Walsh. “I encourage members of the community to get to know our officers, stop and talk with them and let them know that the citizens of Menifee are just as excited to welcome them as we are.”
For more information on the Menifee Police Department, including positions that are currently open for recruitment, please visit MenifeePolice.org.
