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450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
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Community News

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

by | Apr 3, 2026 |

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Hemet Police Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. Distractions like checking a phone, using the in-dash touchscreen or car phone app, adjusting the radio, or eating can have devastating consequences.

“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Hemet Police Sergeant Matt Chavez said. “When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, lives can change forever. We’re reminding our community that safety starts with each of us. Put the phone down, limit distractions, and help people get home safely.”

According to the 2025 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 71.4% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, caused by texting or checking a phone, was their biggest safety concern. In 2023, there were 158 people killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to determine if distraction was a factor in a crash.

K9s Argo and Bosco have received donation of body armor

K9s Argo and Bosco have received donation of body armor

by | Apr 2, 2026 |

Hemet Police Department, CA – K9s Argo and Bosco have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vests were sponsored by Ginny Johnson of Prineville, OR, and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Hemet Police Department Aware of Potential School Walkout

by | Feb 5, 2026 | ,

The Hemet Police Department is aware of flyers currently circulating on social media and within the community that reference a potential student walkout at some Hemet-area schools on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The flyers appear to reference a form of First Amendment–protected expression and protest. The Hemet Police Department respects the constitutional rights of individuals to engage in lawful expression, while recognizing California truancy policies, as well as school district attendance and safety policies regarding campus operations.

OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER

OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER

by | Dec 16, 2025 |

This week, on December 17th and 18th, law enforcement agencies from across Riverside County will take part in the annual “Operation Holiday Cheer” – a festive event honoring the hard work and sacrifice of healthcare professionals during the holiday season. Now in its fifth year, the all-day trek has grown significantly to include nearly 60 law enforcement agencies from seven counties across the state – as well as Santa Claus and other holiday guests – who will visit over 40 hospitals and cover an area of more than 28,000 miles. Participating agencies from Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties will gather outside local hospitals, filling parking lots with lights, sirens, and holiday cheer to show appreciation to their fellow first responders and bring smiles to patients needing a little extra holiday spirit.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Hemet PD Forms Partnership to Combat Mail Theft

by | Nov 13, 2025 | ,

The City of Hemet is proud to announce a new partnership between the Hemet Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) through a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the Inland Empire Financial Crimes Task Force.

This joint effort strengthens the City’s ability to combat financial fraud, identity theft, mail theft, counterfeit securities, and related crimes, offenses that impact residents, businesses, and the integrity of local commerce.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is almost here

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is almost here

by | Jul 30, 2025 | ,

The Hemet Police Department is rolling out the welcome mat and inviting the entire community to join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. behind the Hemet Public library at 200 N. Harvard Street, Hemet CA 92543.
National Night Out is a nationwide campaign designed to promote strong community partnerships, build neighborhood camaraderie, and foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. This family-friendly evening will feature demonstrations, activities, and opportunities for residents to connect directly with their police department and first responders.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Hemet PD Announces Closure of Diamond Inn Hotel

by | Jun 5, 2025 | ,

On June 3, 2025, The Hemet Police Department, through its dedicated Quality of Life team known as AERO (Active Engagement, Response, and Outreach), along with City Code Enforcement Officers, conducted an inspection at the Diamond Inn Hotel because the water service had been shut off at the location.

Following a thorough investigation, numerous violations of health and safety codes and city ordinances were also identified. As a result, the entire hotel has been deemed uninhabitable, and all occupants were required to vacate the premises. The city has requested City Net to provide resources and assistance to individuals affected by this closure.

HEMET PD DONATES POLICE VEHICLE TO ALESSANDRO STUDENTS

HEMET PD DONATES POLICE VEHICLE TO ALESSANDRO STUDENTS

by | May 12, 2025 |

The Hemet Police Department is proud to announce the donation of a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor to the students of Alessandro High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) First Responder program. The official donation took place on May 9, 2025, and marks an important step in strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and local Hemet schools to invest in the next generation of public safety professionals.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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.

fatal Traffic Collision

May 8, 2026

On Thursday May 7th, 2026, at approximately 3:32 PM, Hemet Police Communications Center received a call regarding a single vehicle traffic collision that occurred near the area of Kirby Street and Cypress Street, in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located an unresponsive motorcyclist down adjacent to the roadway.

May is National Bicycle Safety Month

May 5, 2026

From children riding to school to older adults staying active and healthy, bicycling is both a pastime and a mode of transportation for thousands of Californians. May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hemet Police Department is urging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,166 people killed while riding a bike on U.S. roads in 2023, and an estimated 49,489 bicyclists were injured. In California, there were 145 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023.

“It is important that we keep our bicyclists safe, as they do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers,” said Sergeant Matt Chavez. “People of all ages use bicycles to commute to school, work, and other activities. Bicyclists, like all road users, have the right to safe streets. We encourage drivers and bicyclists to look out for one another and practice safe habits so we may all go safely.”

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the Hemet Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way and stop sign/red light running.