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

Crime Prevention

3 arrested in ort blitz operation

3 arrested in ort blitz operation

by | Jul 24, 2025 | ,

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a “Blitz” operation at the Target store located in the City of Hemet. The purpose of this operation was to address and deter organized retail theft activities that continue to affect local businesses.

Between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., undercover officers and retail staff worked in and around the store, identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in theft-related crimes. The operation resulted in the arrest of three adults, two for felony offenses and one for a misdemeanor. The total value of merchandise stolen during the operation was approximately $630.62. Charges included: 666.1(a) PC and 490.5(a) PC.  

This enforcement effort is part of the department’s broader commitment to addressing the rise in retail theft. The passage of Proposition 36 in 2024 introduced stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Under this law, individuals with two or more prior theft-related convictions may face felony charges upon a third offense, even if the value stolen is under $950. This allows officers and prosecutors to hold repeat offenders more accountable and helps protect local retailers from ongoing loss and disruption.

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

May is national bicycle safety month

by | May 6, 2025 | ,

The Hemet Police Department is encouraging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe. With the arrival of warmer weather, more people are biking for commuting, exercise, or recreation, making it essential for all people to look out for one another and save lives.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured.

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Sergeant Matt Chavez said. “Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads .”

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

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

Hemet Police Prioritize Community Safety This Holiday Season

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

The holiday season is upon us, and as your Police Chief, I want to emphasize the commitment of the Hemet Police Department, and your city leadership to ensure that our citizens feel safe and secure during this special time of year. It is our priority to be a reassuring presence in our community, particularly as families come together to enjoy the holiday activities.

This time of year marks the holiday shopping season, and we understand the importance of creating a safe environment for our citizens and businesses alike. The department will be ramping up our efforts, ensuring high visibility patrols and actively engaging with the public to promote safety in our commercial areas. 

So, while you are out there shopping and taking part in this season’s festivities and you see our Officers, please feel free to engage with them; We are here to help and support our community. Together, we can make this holiday season enjoyable and safe for all.

homicide investigation

Apr 14, 2026

Hemet, Calif. – On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 12:35 am, the Hemet Police Department received a call of a possible burglary in progress in the 900 block of S. Santa Fe Street.  When officers arrived at the scene, they located a male down in the front yard of the residence, suffering from multiple lacerations and stab wounds.  The male was treated on scene and transported by AMR to a local trauma center for further medical treatment.  Despite lifesaving efforts, the male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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.