Hemet Police Station Adds New Security Features

Angel Ruiz lives a few houses away from the Hemet Police Department on Latham Street, the target of at least nine attacks earlier this year.

He said before the improvements, anyone could get access to police cars. Now, he said people should think twice before messing with department.

“I think it’s pretty good what they did there because it keeps people out. Most definitely keeps anybody out. In order for anybody to get close to them they will have to jump the fence and they’re going to be able to see them,” said Ruiz.

According to the department, the wrought iron gate around the police parking lot was the first to go up. It now extends all the way around the building. The other improvements followed shortly after. Those include: cameras, floodlights and bullet-proof windows at an estimated cost of $200,000.

In April, the city council approved bypassing the time-consuming bidding process. It helped get the job done more quickly.

“If they’re going to make an improvement like bullet-proof glass then they’re really serious about protecting themselves against anyone who is coming against them,” said Cheri Allison, a Hemet resident.

“I wonder where they got the money from to put all that stuff up. Because they were out of money. That’s the only thing, I mean, I hope they got help from somewhere,” said Ruiz.

Officers arrested two men in connection some of the attacks. They’re still searching for two others.

While things are quiet now, police aren’t taking any chances.