450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543
Non-Emergency: (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911
Hemet Police Department detectives conducted inspections at the majority of recycling centers throughout the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley in response to recent thefts of backflow devices, copper, wire, and other metal materials.
During the operation, detectives inspected 6 recycling centers, reviewed required records and business practices, and looked for property potentially connected to recent thefts.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Unit conducted an undercover retail theft “blitz” operation at JCPenney and Harbor Freight in partnership with store loss prevention personnel and investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The purpose of this operation was to address and deter organized retail theft activities that continue to affect local businesses.
During the operation, 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 suspects. The arrests included charges related to shoplifting, repeat theft offenses, and probation violations under California Penal Code sections 490.5(a), 666.1(a), and 1203.2(a).
The Hemet Police Department will host a public meeting titled “Hemet Police Department Technology & Transparency: A Community Conversation” to provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the public-safety technology used by the department and ask questions directly of HPD representatives.
The meeting will be held:
Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: City of Hemet Council Chambers / Police Department (north side of 450 E. Latham Avenue)
Before the summer season winds down, the Hemet Police Department wants everyone to kick off their Labor Day festivities with safety at the forefront. Make the decision that saves lives. Choose safety every time you get behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Hemet Police Department will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, August 21st, 2026, from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am at an undisclosed location within the City of Hemet.
Chief Arellano has authorized members of the Hemet Police Department to voluntarily wear commemorative Semiquincentennial police badges from now through December 31, 2026, in recognition of this historic milestone.
Throughout 2026, our officers will proudly wear these Semiquincentennial Commemorative Police Badges, honoring 250 years of American law enforcement service.
These badges symbolize a legacy built on duty, sacrifice, and service, reflecting generations of officers who have stood watch over their communities with honor and integrity.
Hemet Police Department, CA, K9s Argo and Bosco will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Both vests were sponsored by Ginny Johnson of Prineville, OR and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
The Hemet Police Department is aware of an upcoming protest in our city. We want to assure the community that we are committed to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
The Hemet Police Department is fully aware of the ongoing situation in Los Angeles and the protests and unrest occurring in that area. We want to assure our community that we support the rights of individuals and groups to peacefully assemble and express their viewpoints, which is a fundamental constitutional right.
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.
Hemet Police Department detectives conducted inspections at the majority of recycling centers throughout the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley in response to recent thefts of backflow devices, copper, wire, and other metal materials.
During the operation, detectives inspected 6 recycling centers, reviewed required records and business practices, and looked for property potentially connected to recent thefts.
Hemet, Calif. – 28 drivers were cited during a distracted driving enforcement operation on 09/25/2026. 12 drivers were cited for hands-free cell phone violations, and 16 others were cited for dangerous driving behaviors during the operation that lasted from 5 pm to 11 pm.
“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle,” Sergeant Matt Chavez said. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors that help make our roads safer.”
California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.
Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
