Biography

Born and raised in Southern California, Commander Mike Hamel initially served as an intern for the Irvine Police Department in while attending the University of California, Irvine. Upon graduation, he started his career in law enforcement with the Los Angeles Police Department where he served two years working in patrol and traffic. In 1995, Commander Hamel transferred to the Irvine Police Department.During his tenure here, he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, SWAT team member, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, Investigations Lieutenant and Training and Recruitment Lieutenant.

In 2004, Commander Hamel received a meritorious service award for his contributions in the Investigative Bureau during the department’s transition to Geographic Policing. In 2006, Commander Hamel was honored as an Outstanding Service Provider by the Irvine Prevention Coalition and Irvine Community Drug Prevention for his work with Irvine youth. During the same year, he also received the “Safe Places” award from Team Kids, Inc., an Irvine-based non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of Irvine youth. Commander Hamel partnered with Team Kids on many events designed to provide Irvine youth unique opportunities to serve their community.

Commander Hamel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine in Social Ecology with an emphasis in Criminology, Law and Society and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations program. He is also an adjunct instructor with the University of Phoenix.