Hemet formally declares a war on crime - Press-Enterprise

Hemet declared a war on crime Friday, April 7, in an event that was part press conference and part pep rally.

“We have directed the police chief to do whatever is necessary to return our city to the peaceful, safe community we all know and love," Hemet Mayor Linda Krupa said to a large crowd in Weston Park.

Hemet, a retirement Mecca into the 1990s, has become a city of more than 80,000 residents. The growth came as the recession emptied city coffers leading to fewer police officers and an increase in crime.

The "war" will be funded from voter-approved Measure U, which raised the sales tax 1 percentage point. Hemet expects to raise an additional $100 million over the next 10 years, which will be split between the Police and Fire departments.

"We now have the means to fight against the criminal element that has invaded our community," Krupa said. "We are fed up and intend to fight back. Hemet deserves better and we intend to deliver."

Police Chief Dave Brown said the department plans to double the number of police officers on the streets.

"There is great hope today for the future of this community," he said. "We will ask you to support the bold actions that come ahead."

Brown said there have been more than 4,000 violent crimes in Hemet since 2008, blaming, in part, laws that have given early release to criminals because of crowded jails and prisons.

Brown did warn not expect any quick fixes.

“Victory will not be immediate,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do.”

He pointed to partnerships with county agencies, and among those on the stage Friday were County Supervisor Chuck Washington, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin and police chiefs from Banning, Beaumont and Murrieta.

Hestrin encouraged Hemet residents to continue to work toward cleaning up the community.

“Don't tire, don't weary, this is a fight we have to win,” he said. “This is a fight for our community.”

Washington said if nothing else, the event showed that Hemet is serious about its effort.

"It's the optics of this," he said. "I want you to see the show of force."

Washington promised the county's support.

"We're not going to tolerate crime in our community and in our neighborhood," he said. "It's done; we're going to take back Hemet. Together we can make Hemet safe again."

Speakers praised the turnout Friday, in its number and the makeup. Besides public officials, there were business owners, representatives of public service agencies and members of service clubs and the faith community.

"It was a really good cross-section," said Randy Jones, pastor at Valle Vista Assembly of God. "These are the people who will roll up their sleeves. If we all take our part and we deal with it, we can make a difference."

Brown was pumped up after the event.

"How can you not look at that crowd and be proud of your community?" he said. "How can you not be confident that we will win?"

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