Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral

Lateral Police OfficerLateral Dispatcher

450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911

Lt. Derek Maddox

Retail theft Ring bust

Retail theft Ring bust

by | Jul 3, 2025 | ,

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Special Operations Unit (SOU), served a search warrant at a residence in the 41800 block of Lomas Street, located in the unincorporated area of east Hemet.

This investigation began through the strong partnership between the Hemet Police Department and a local business loss prevention officer. The officer identified suspected stolen merchandise being sold on a social media sales platform. Detectives initiated an investigation, which quickly revealed the operation was consistent with an organized retail theft ring.

Retail theft Ring bust

Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

by | Jun 29, 2025 |

On Saturday June 28th, 2025 at approximately 1736 hours, Hemet Police Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, in the area of Domenigoni Pkwy and State Street, in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on scene and located a deceased male down in the roadway.

Retail theft Ring bust

It all add$ up

by | Apr 29, 2025 |

On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a targeted “Blitz” operation, focusing on Petco and Smart & Final stores within the city. This proactive initiative aimed to address and deter organized retail theft activities affecting local businesses.

Retail theft Ring bust

mail theft arrest made

by | Apr 23, 2025 |

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Hemet Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Division Court regarding a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near community mailboxes.

Upon arrival, officers located a tan/gold 1993 Jeep Cherokee parked directly adjacent to the mailboxes. The vehicle was occupied by an adult male, later identified as 42-year-old Naythan Story, who appeared to be unconscious in the driver’s seat while the vehicle was running.

Retail theft Ring bust

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

by | Mar 13, 2025 | ,

The Hemet Police Department has successfully apprehended two suspects linked to a series of graffiti vandalism incidents that have plagued local businesses and public property over the past several weeks. On March 11, 2025, while conducting encampment enforcement along Florida Avenue, detectives from the AERO (Active Engagement Response and Outreach for our Community) Team obtained critical information regarding individuals responsible for the widespread “LMN” graffiti appearing throughout the city. The investigation led detectives to a local hotel, where they contacted the primary adult suspect.
During their contact, detectives discovered a significant amount of evidence directly linking him to the ongoing graffiti vandalism. Additionally, detectives seized 22.12 grams of methamphetamine and 1.84 grams of fentanyl, along with other evidence indicating narcotic sales. Initial estimates for damages caused by the tagging spree exceed $4,000 in just the past few weeks.

Retail theft Ring bust

Message from the Chief of Police, Hemet Police Department

by | Feb 4, 2025 |

As your Chief of Police for the Hemet Police Department, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for the rights of freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully. These rights are fundamental to our democracy and are entitled to every one of us in this great country. We encourage individuals and groups to express their views and opinions.

Retail theft Ring bust

OPERATION HOLIDAY WATCH

by | Dec 31, 2024 |

During the final shopping days before Christmas, several California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, coordinated a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime and promoting a safe shopping environment for communities throughout California. 

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, 2024 resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles.  The charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail theft, felon in possession of a firearm and auto theft.

Retail theft Ring bust

Proposition 36 is in effect

by | Dec 20, 2024 |

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.” Proposition 36 took effect on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Proposition 36 modifies existing laws and adds substantive charges and enhancements to areas of the California Penal Code and Health and Safety Code regarding theft, property damage, and drug-related crimes.

HEMET POLICE CONDUCT DUI SAFETY CHECKPOINT

Sep 15, 2025

The Hemet Police Department will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, September 15th, 2025, from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am at an undisclosed location within the City of Hemet.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on DUI crashes and arrests data collection and statistical information. The primary purpose of checkpoints is to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.  During the checkpoint, Officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission.  Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.

September is Pedestrian Safety Month

Sep 8, 2025

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Hemet Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 24 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.