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

News Releases

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

by | Oct 11, 2026 |

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Hemet Police Department would like to remind drivers to take extra precautions to help protect people walking.

“In the City of Hemet, we’re committed to reinforcing everyday safety actions like slowing down, following the posted speed limit, staying alert, and yielding to people in crosswalks,” Hemet Police Sgt. Matt Chavez said. “Drivers have an outsized role in keeping all people walking safe. Remember that pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers traveling inside vehicles.”

On average, 19 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes every day in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2024, an estimated 7,080 people walking were struck and killed by vehicles. Of those people, 1,090 were killed in California alone.

The Hemet Police Department offers these driving tips to keep everyone safe:

Follow the speed limit, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, around schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present.

Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people crossing or walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Use extra caution when driving at night or when driving conditions are less than optimal, such as rain or fog.

Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers, or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.

Drive sober.

 Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

HEMET PD CONDUCTS RECYCLING CENTER INSPECTIONS

by | Oct 2, 2026 | ,

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.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

12 Citations Issued For Hands-Free Cell Phone Violations

by | Sep 28, 2026 |

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.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

by | Sep 23, 2026 |

On Tuesday September 22nd, 2026 at approximately 06:55 AM, the Hemet Police Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding two pedestrians that were riding a scooter being struck by a vehicle, in the area of Palm and Commonwealth Avenue, in the City of Hemet. Several witnesses advised that the vehicle involved in the collision had fled the location and were able to provide a vehicle description and direction of travel. Officers arrived on scene and located two unresponsive pedestrians down in the roadway. Officers immediately began rendering aid until they were relieved by medical personnel. Both pedestrians were later transported to a local hospital, where one of them was pronounced deceased. The driver of the vehicle involved later returned to the scene and was ultimately taken into custody by Police Officers.   

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

Motorcyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

by | Sep 10, 2026 |

On Tuesday 9/8/2026, at approximately 06:31 PM, Hemet Police Communications Center received a call in regards to a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Sanderson and Florida Avenue. Officers responded to the location and located a silver Toyota sedan and a Harley Davidson motorcycle that collided in the intersection. The rider of the motorcycle was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, and the driver of the Toyota sedan remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. On 09/10/2026, Investigators were notified that the motorcycle rider had succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at a local area hospital.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION Sep. 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026 |

Hemet, CA.- On Thursday, September 10th 2026, at approximately 0013 hours, Hemet Police Communications Center received a call regarding a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Domenigoni Pkwy and Warren Road, in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene and located a silver SUV and a blue pickup truck that were involved in the collision. The driver of the SUV was unresponsive and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.

Based on these circumstances, the Hemet Police Department Traffic Bureau responded to the scene of the collision and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the SUV was traveling eastbound on Domenigoni Pkwy on the wrong side of the road when it collided with the blue pickup truck. Impaired driving does appear to be a factor, and the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. Westbound Domenigoni Pkwy was closed from Sanderson Avenue to Warren Road from approximately 12:18 am to 06:30 am.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

shooting investigation

by | Jul 22, 2026 |

Hemet, Calif. – On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 2:22 a.m., the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a call reference an adult suffering from a gunshot wound. 

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

SIX ARRESTED IN ORT “BLITZ”

by | May 11, 2026 |

On May 9, 2026, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a targeted enforcement operation at Marshalls, Burlington, and Ulta Beauty in the City of Hemet.

This undercover operation resulted in the arrest of six adults on multiple theft-related charges. Through the coordinated efforts of officers and retail partners, approximately $430 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the businesses.

The continued success of these operations is made possible through the strong partnership between the Hemet Police Department and local retailers committed to keeping the community safe.

HEMET PD CONDUCTS RECYCLING CENTER INSPECTIONS

Oct 2, 2026

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.

12 Citations Issued For Hands-Free Cell Phone Violations

Sep 28, 2026

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.