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

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

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.

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

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.

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

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.

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

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 Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

fatal traffic collision

by | Dec 5, 2024 |

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, at approximately 07:57 am, Hemet Police Officers responded to a traffic collision west of the intersection of Kirby Street and Acacia Avenue.

Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and located the two vehicles involved; a smaller passenger vehicle and a City of Hemet Public Works utility truck. An adult male, later discovered to be a City of Hemet employee for the Public Works Department was discovered unresponsive at the scene. Officers immediately began providing first aid, but unfortunately the male succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

It all add$ up

by | Sep 26, 2024 |

Hemet, California – On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, members of the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, with the assistance of Menifee Police Department’s Problem Orientated Police (POP) Team conducted an Organized Retail Theft Sting at Lowes Home Improvement Store in the City of Hemet.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Apr 7, 2025

In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Hemet Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

homicide investigation

Mar 29, 2025

Hemet, California – On Friday, March 21, 2025, at about 2:27 am, Hemet Fire responded to the 300 block of E. Florida Avenue, Hemet in regards to an unconscious male in the parking lot.  The male subject was transported to a local trauma center for further treatment.    

At 4:02 hours, Hemet Police dispatch received a call from the hospital stating the male subject sustained major trauma to his head.  Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau was notified and assumed the investigation.  Detectives determined that the victim was assaulted and left unconscious before the call for medical assistance was made.

Despite lifesaving efforts, on Monday, March 24, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The victim’s name is not being released at this time.  During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Michael Martin as the suspect responsible for the homicide.  On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Martin was arrested and transported to Hemet PD and then to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he was booked for homicide and held on a $1,000,000 bail.