Atwater Police Department

09/05/2026

The Atwater Police Department had a great time at the Castle Air Museum today during their Fall Open Cockpit Day!

09/03/2026

* Shoplift Wednesday? Not on Our Watch

Our officers continue to work diligently to apprehend offenders who victimize our businesses. Thank you to our business community for the great partnerships!

09/02/2026

This morning the Atwater Police Department assisted the City of Atwater Public Works and Union Pacific in the clean up of a previous camping site in the 2300 block of Atwater Boulevard. As a reminder, the Atwater Police Department will be proactively enforcing our camping ordinance 8.50.030 - Camping and storage of personal property on public property prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, and use camp paraphernalia or store personal property on public property unless expressly permitted to do so at a designated campground. Violators will be subject to citation or arrest depending on the number of offenses.

08/28/2026

Earlier this evening, The Atwater Police Department and the Merced County District Attorney's Office conducted retail theft enforcement operations at our local shopping centers. Within a couple hours, several people were arrested for theft related offenses or warrants for theft. The Atwater Police Department will continue these operations to help reduce retail theft in our area. Thank you to the Merced County District Attorney's Office for all their assistance in combating retail theft.

08/28/2026

On behalf of the Atwater Police Department and the citizens of Atwater, please join us in congratulating Chief Richard McEachin on his retirement.

Chief Richard McEachin graduated from the Police Academy at Napa Valley College on December 6, 2003. After graduating the academy, he worked for various police departments in the Bay Area before being hired in January 2018 as the chief of police in Dos Palos. After 5 years, Chief McEachin was hired as the Chief of Clayton PD where he held that rank for 2 years. On December 19th 2024, Chief Richard McEachin returned to Merced County and was sworn in as the chief of police here in Atwater. During his time here, he oversaw the second phase of the police department remodel, reinstituted the Street Crimes unit, and brought back the rank of Corporal. Chief McEachin has dedicated 22 years of service in law enforcement, with 2 of those here in Atwater.

Chief Richard McEachin, badge number 699, is “10-10” into retirement. We thank you for your 22 years of service. Congratulations!

08/27/2026

On 08/26/2026 the Merced County C.I.T.E. (County Integrated Traffic Enforcement) team patrolled the City of Atwater. During the operation period over 100 citations were issued to drivers for various traffic violations. The goal of the mission is to educate, enforce, and protect the public from dangerous driving. Thank you to Mayor Nelson for riding along with the Atwater Police Department and always showing his support.

08/25/2026

Please be advised that the smoke currently in the City is a result of this fire.

**ROAD CLOSURE - BALLICO**

N Newport Road from Sunny Acres Ave to East Ave is closed.

A tire fire is currently burning at a recycling center in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico. The fire is expected to continue burning for some time. Residents are advised to stay indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid the area while emergency crews manage the incident.

Please utilize the Perimeter link for updates regarding the road closure.

https://perimetermap.com/incidents/polygon/241818

08/14/2026