Hendersonville Police Department
Public Monthly Report

April 2026

Chief’s Monthly Summary 

A lot of questions have come up lately about police use and specifically our use of license plate readers (LPRs). I thought now might be a good time to talk about the technology and clear up rumors. 

We started using LPRs in the summer of 2024 with one camera initially. We now have fifteen LPRs at an approximate cost of $45,000 annually. My intent is to cover all major points of ingress and egress throughout the city, making it difficult for criminals to avoid being seen.  

LPRs, for those unfamiliar with this technology, take a snapshot of a car and its license plate as the vehicle passes by the LPR. The photo is automatically compared against NCIC (National Crime Information Center) files, and any law enforcement information added into the system. For decades now, and today, we search NCIC (a federal database) using our dispatch center. All use of NCIC must have a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and we undergo regular audits to verify we maintain compliance with that rule. 

LPRs are effective because they are linked making a far wider coverage area. The more LPRs linked together, the greater the chance of success in identifying and apprehending criminals. It is our duty to use this technology ethically. To do that, we have strong policy guidelines to ensure our use is consistent with policy and industry best practices. Starting next month, we will add a recuring section to this report to show our LPR usage and outcomes. You will see clearly how this technology is being used by our officers. Until then, here are a few outcomes by our department. 

• We used LPR to identify and arrest a bank robber within 13 hours of the crime by only searching for the witness description of the getaway vehicle.  
• We found safe a 77-year-old man with dementia within 20 minutes of him being reported missing by his wife.  
• We captured a man who stabbed another to death because his vehicle had enough unique characteristics to make a positive ID of the driver.  
• We arrested a domestic violence abuser using LPRs shortly after the crime.  
• We identified a road rage suspect who pointed a gun at another driver. He was arrested a month later when his car passed an LPR camera.  
• We arrested a man who shot at another vehicle when he drove past an LPR camera in South Carolina one hour after the crime. 
• We arrested a driver fleeing from police from another jurisdiction after he sped past an LPR camera in the city. 

My commitment is to always and ethically keep this community safe and protect your right to privacy. I intend to employ what technology and strategy are needed to do that.  We are in this together. One Team, One Goal.

#MountainExcellence. 

Call Statistics

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

Calls For Service

Calls Answered: 5,255; +1.04% 

Calls Dispatched: 2,701; -0.86% 

Traffic Safety

Traffic Stops: 306; -52.5% 

Citations Issued: 158; -64% 

DWI Arrests: 9; +80% 

Motor Vehicle Crashes: 116; -6.4% 

Injury Crashes: 13; -18.8% 

Top Five Crash Locations:

1. Four Seasons Blvd at Dana Rd (4) 
2. Highland Square Dr at Chimney Rock Rd (3) 
3. King St at E Allen St (3) 
4. 6th Ave W at Church St (2) 
5. 7th Ave W at Church St (2) 

Crimes, Reports, and Arrests

Custodial Arrests: 63; -17% 

Incident Reports: 163; +34% 

Drug Offenses: 17; -37% 

Larcenies: 37; -29% 

Assaults: 13; -28% 

Employee Actions

• The week of April 6th was National Property and Evidence Professionals Week. We celebrated Kathe Ingram and Lisa Morrison who expertly manage our evidence function for the agency. 

• Chief Myhand attended the Policy Council Meeting for IACP in Grapevine, TX, April 10-12, 2026. During this meeting, IACP members from around the world met to discuss work being done in their respective committees and sections. Chief Myhand chairs the Technology Policy Council. Visit the IACP website for more information.

• The week of April 13th was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We celebrated the work that our Dispatchers do for us every day. 

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• The week of April 13th was Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week where we celebrated Anna Autry for her work as our non-sworn animal services officer. 

• HPD officers began drivers training this month utilizing the driving track at AB Tech, this training will conclude next month.  

• A conditional offer of employment was accepted by Daniel Felicetti. Daniel is coming to us from Long Island, NY. He starts in June and will attend BLET in July. 

Safety Tip – Driveway Safety Tips

Check Before You Leave: Take a few seconds to walk completely around your vehicle to ensure no children, pets, or toys are behind or under it. 

Use the "Circle of Safety": Scan the entire area before starting the engine. 

Back In, Drive Out: Whenever possible, back into the driveway so you can drive forward when exiting. This gives you a better view of sidewalks and traffic. 

Eliminate Distractions: Turn off music and lower windows to hear if children are nearby. 

Slow Down: Always drive slowly, as children can be difficult to see behind large vehicles. 

Install Safety Technology: Use rearview cameras or parking sensors, but do not rely on them exclusively. 

Use Safety Barriers: Utilize fences, gates, or safety nets to prevent children from running into the driveway from the yard. 

Enhance Visibility: Keep landscaping trimmed near the driveway to remove blind spots. 

Complaints and Findings

• A complaint of bias was made against an officer after an arrest. This complaint is currently under review.  

• A demeanor complaint was filed against an officer related to a traffic stop. This complaint was investigated and was determined to be unfounded.  

• A demeanor complaint was filed against an officer alleging rudeness and intimidation during a traffic stop. This complaint was investigated and was determined to be unfounded.  

Vehicle Pursuits and Findings

• None

Use of Reasonable Force (UORF) Incidents and Findings

• Officers responded to a local business to a report of a suspect causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and found the suspect who was highly intoxicated. Officers then used soft hand techniques to arrest the person after he refused to leave the business. The suspect sustained minor injuries and was immediately treated by EMS. This use of force was reviewed and found to be objectively reasonable.   

• Officers responded to an assault in progress. Officers then used soft hand techniques to take the suspect into custody. There were no injuries. This incident is currently under review.  

• Officers responded to reports of an intoxicated and disruptive person. Officers located the suspect and determined that he had damaged property. The suspect then became aggressive when confronted by officers and was taken to the ground and arrested. One officer sustained minor injuries in this incident. This matter is currently under review.  

Operations and Notable Events 

• A 32-year-old man of Hendersonville was charged with one count of attempted forcible rape and two counts of forcible sex offense after he attempted to sexually assault several women in one day in public. No injuries occurred to any of the victims. The suspect is being held in custody without bond. 

• Two vehicles were stolen from Roger Gagnon Auto Sales after the business was broken into and several unsecured keys were stolen. One vehicle has been recovered. This is still an active investigation. 

• There were no identifiable criminal trends found during the month.  

Community Outreach and Special Events

• Several officers, including executive staff, participated in the Henderson County Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. This 3.5-mile run culminates with the torch lighting ceremony at East Henderson High School. Officers will travel to Raleigh next month for the final leg of the torch run and awards ceremony.  

SRO Activities

• SROs participated in a Career Cafe at Hendersonville High School and answered questions from students looking to pursue a career in law enforcement.    

Fraud

• We documented 12 separate fraud reports during the month of April. This remains our most frequently reported crime. Again, most of the victims are seniors. The suspects continue to operate online and over the phone. These cases are rarely solved due to the money being routed overseas. Residents are urged to call the police department anytime they are suspicious of a scam, especially if they tell you not to hang the phone up. To report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and for further resources and data collection by the FTC, please visit the FTC website. 

Budget Summary

• We have 13.2% of the fiscal year remaining. 

• We have 19.1% of our budget remaining. 

• View the City of Hendersonville Budget Dashboard

Community Outreach and Special Events 

• All sworn officers attended a scenario-based virtual simulation training this month. In it, Officers are exposed to a variety of different scenarios requiring them to think, use officer-safety tactics, and de-escalate when necessary. This is an ongoing training program designed to enhance an officer’s skills in dealing with complex and stressful situations in a training environment. 
• Officers attended the annual Taser recertification training. This is a requirement for all sworn officers to recertify to carry this less-lethal option.

Recruiting and Retention

• We are currently hiring for four Police Officer positions that we expect to be approved for the upcoming FY 27 budget. 

• 1 of 14 non-sworn employee vacancies exist. 

• 0 of 46 Police Officer vacancies exist. 

  • (15) applications received 

  • (4) in background 

  • (1) conditional offer made 

  • (6) rejected 

  • (1) withdrawn 

Learn more about employment with the Hendersonville Police Department.