Hendersonville Police Department
Public Monthly Report

January 2026

Chief’s Monthly Summary 

Maintaining integrity, accountability, and professionalism means everything to me when it comes to the Hendersonville Police Department. These are more than words when it involves how I conduct myself, and the high expectations I have of the men and women working for the department in how they conduct themselves. We hold ourselves to a higher standard, because that is what is demanded by the nature of our work in upholding the rule of law.  

As new officers are sworn in, they are given a badge. The front of the badge reads the name of the department, a symbol of the city, and the people we serve. 

On the back of the badge, we write the officer’s name. This is a symbol and a reminder of who they are, the values they hold, and the people and experiences that brought them to that moment in time when they took an oath.  

These monthly reports, and the actions we take as a department, are a commitment to transparency and our vow to serve the citizens and community members who rely on us.  

Thank you for reading these reports. I hope you gain a better understanding of the things we have done in the last thirty days. I trust that you will continue to recognize our openness and our willingness to share. If you have any questions or comments, let us know. I appreciate you.

One Team, One Goal. #MountainExcellence

Call Statistics

% change describes the data compared to the previous month's numbers

Calls For Service

• Calls Answered: 4,068; -1.19% 

• Calls Dispatched: 2,462; +.01% 

Traffic Safety

• Traffic Stops: 312; -8.5% 

• Citations Issued: 135; +6.3% 

• DWI Arrests: 4; -60% 

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 87; -29.8% 

• Injury Crashes: 8; no change 

Top Five Crash Locations:

1. Four Seasons Blvd at Dana Rd/Duncan Hill Rd 

2. Chimney Rock Rd at Highland Square Dr 

3. Asheville Hwy at N Main St 

4. King St at Barnwell St 

5. King St at E Allen St 

Crimes, Reports, and Arrests

• Custodial Arrests: 59; -37% 

• Incident Reports: 95; -13% 

• Drug Offenses: 16; -11% 

• Larcenies: 23; -34% 

• Assaults: 12; -25% 

Employee Actions

• A conditional offer of employment was made to an applicant to be our Animal Services  Officer. They accepted and will start once all pre-employment action is completed. 
• Officers completed an officer safety class called “Surviving the First Three Seconds.” This class teaches officers how to read body language and recognize indicators that an attack is likely or imminent. 
• A conditional offer of employment was made to an applicant to serve as our Emergency Communications Center Supervisor. They accepted and will start once their background investigation is complete.  
• Captain Kenneth Hipps was terminated for policy violations related to off-duty employment. His behavior was found to be incompatible with department rules and regulations resulting in his separation from the City of Hendersonville. The NCSBI is currently investigating whether his conduct violates state law(s). There is no other public information available at this time. 

Safety Tip – Situational Awareness

Staying alert and vigilant involves maintaining awareness of one's surroundings, trusting instincts, and recognizing potential risks to ensure your safety. It requires avoiding distractions such as excessive phone use and proactively monitoring for threats rather than living in fear. Cultivating this mindset enhances situational awareness, allowing for timely, informed responses to dangers.  

Tips for Maintaining Vigilance: 

• Trust Your Intuition: If a situation feels wrong or suspicious, act on intuition and seek assistance. 

• Active Observation: Constantly scan your environment and surroundings, avoiding distractions like being focused on a phone. 

• Situational Awareness: Be mindful of who is around you, identify exits, and notice any unusual behavior. 

• Digital Vigilance: Protect your information online by using strong passwords and being wary of scams. 

• "Walk with a Purpose": Project confidence, as criminals often target those who appear distracted or uncertain.  

Staying vigilant is a skill developed through experience, aimed at fostering safety in an unpredictable world.  

Complaints and Findings

•  An internal complaint was received alleging misconduct related to off-duty employment. The complaint was Sustained. 
• A citizen complaint was made against an officer alleging “bias” and “inconsistency”. The complaint was Unfounded.  

Vehicle Pursuits and Findings

• A pursuit was initiated when an officer attempted to stop an intoxicated driver. The pursuit lasted approximately 90 seconds and ended when the suspect vehicle struck a traffic sign. The driver was taken into custody, charged with Driving While Impaired, Flee to Elude, and Open Container. The vehicle was seized pursuant to NC law. There were no injuries in this incident. This pursuit is currently under review.  

Use of Reasonable Force (UORF) Incidents and Findings

• Officers responded to a report of a suspect attempting to break into private residences. An officer located the suspect who refused lawful commands and ran away. The officer deployed their Taser and took the suspect into custody. The suspect sustained minor injuries and was treated by EMS. This use of force was reviewed and found to be lawful, reasonable, and necessary.   

• Officers responded to a reported larceny at a business. As officers attempted to handcuff the suspect, the suspect resisted and assaulted officers. Two officers deployed their Tasers allowing the officers to handcuff and arrest the suspect. No injuries occurred during this incident. This matter is currently under review.

• After a motor vehicle pursuit, an officer pointed their department issued firearm at the suspect until backup officers arrived. Once additional officers arrived on scene, the suspect was taken into custody without additional force. This matter is currently under review.

Operations/Notable Events 

• Officers responded to Pardee Hospital for a report of a mother giving birth to a child under a fake name and abandoning the child. The mother and baby both tested positive for methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. The mother has been identified, and multiple felony charges are forthcoming. DSS has custody of the child. 

• Winter Storm Fern caused significant power outages and related issues throughout the city and county. Numerous employees slept at the PD throughout the weekend due to hazardous road conditions. Their dedication to service is highly commendable.  

Community Outreach/Special Events 

• Chief Myhand participated in an on-camera interview with WLOS regarding police use of force.

Budget Summary

• We are approximately 56% through the fiscal year. 

• We have spent or reserved $4,403,631.33 or 45.86% of our budget. 

• Link to the budget dashboard: City of Hendersonville Budget 

Grants Management 

• There are no active grants in progress. 

Recruiting/Retention

• 1 of 14 non-sworn employee vacancies exist.
• 2 of 47 Police Officer vacancies exist.
  • (7) applications received
  • (2) in background
  • (0) conditional offer made
  • (0) rejected
  • (0) withdrawn

Learn more about employment with the Hendersonville Police Department.