Hemet, CA – 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.
Under the agreement, Hemet Police Department detectives will work alongside federal postal inspectors as part of a coordinated, multi-agency task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial and mail-related crimes throughout the region.
“This partnership brings federal resources, advanced investigative tools, and financial support directly to Hemet,” said Police Chief Michael Arellano. “By joining forces with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we can better protect our residents from scams, identity theft, and organized crime targeting our community.”
The task force will focus on:
- Detect and dismantle complex fraud and identity theft schemes.
- Reduce incidents of mail theft and related crimes.
- Enhance public education on preventing financial crimes.
- Deter future offenses through successful prosecutions and community awareness.
In addition to strengthening public safety, the agreement provides for federal reimbursement of certain overtime and operational expenses incurred by Hemet Police Department personnel assigned to the task force. This means Hemet will gain expanded law enforcement capacity without additional cost to local taxpayers.
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting citizens and preserving trust in the mail system. Criminals exploiting the mail or financial systems will be held accountable.
This collaboration represents another step in the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and reinforce public confidence in local law enforcement partnerships.
Residents who suspect mail theft, fraud, or identity theft are encouraged to contact the Hemet Police Department or report incidents directly to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report.