Press Releases

Details:

At the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco, and with the support of County Supervisor Chuck Washington, on Thursday, December 3, 2020, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Hemet Station / Lake Hemet substation began consistently staffing Sergeants, Deputies and a Community Service Officer to serve our Mountain Communities. These personnel are in addition to the marijuana enforcement and other resources already deployed and available to the citizens residing in the Mountain Communities. On Tuesday, December 7, 2020, Sheriff Bianco, members of his Administration, Captain Purvis and members of the Hemet Station / Lake Hemet substation, Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, and members of the community met (outdoors with social distancing) at the Lake Hemet substation to formally introduce Sheriff’s personnel and to announce the substation’s opening and subsequent service to the public.

In the first thirty days, the following accomplishments and statistics have been appreciated by the Mountain Communities we serve: 

• Improvements to the Lake Hemet Sheriff’s substation to include data lines, computers, and other equipment to benefit assigned personnel and the community.
• Improved relationships and networking with our partners of the California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire and Unites States Forest Service.
• Continued Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement with personnel from the United States Forestry Service, provided by a grant in cooperation with the California State Parks.
• Neighborhood Watch Meetings.
• Continued illegal marijuana cultivation enforcement including but not limited to search warrants served, marijuana seized along with firearms, currency and other property. Marijuana cultivation negatively impacts the environment in many ways including diminishing and poisoning the water table and pesticides adversely affecting the health of neighboring residents. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a zero-tolerance policy for these offenses.
• Faster response times: Compared to the month prior, overall response times were cut in half. A total of 345 calls for service were dispatched between December 3, 2020 and January 1, 2021.
• Part 1 Crimes (felony crimes related to persons and/or property): Compared to the month prior, Part 1 crimes were reduced by 63%.
• Enforcement and Arrests: 17 individuals were arrested and booked into custody for violating various felony and misdemeanor laws. These charges include burglary, theft, weapon, drug and other related violations. 

The personnel assigned to the Lake Hemet substation / Mountain Communities are dedicated to the citizens we serve. Efforts like those mentioned above will continue. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005 or wetip.com. Any questions, please contact Sergeant Frank James or Sergeant Bryan De Loss at the Hemet Station, 951-791-3400.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.