It is not easy to be a police detective and Detective Mike Hedley has worked some of the most difficult crimes in our recent history - from homicides to sexual assaults. But every day he and the team in Investigations work these high-profile cases and even some that fall off of the public's radar. Detective Hedley has been part of the team continuing to work cases like the Pogonip Jane case; ensuring that these cases receive closure. We sat down to ask him a few questions.
Tell us about your favorite TV shows and movies
Detective Hedley: I don’t watch much TV, so I don’t have a favorite show, but I do appreciate movies. My top 5 are the original Star Wars, V for Vendetta, Gladiator, Braveheart, and LA Confidential.
On to sports. Giants or A's? 49ers or Raiders? Why?
Detective Hedley: I grew up a fan of both the Giants and A’s, but if I am watching them play each other, I go for whoever is the home team. I’m not a huge football fan, but since the Raiders were always back and forth when I was growing up, I’d say I consider the 49ers my home team.
Ford or Chevy?
Detective Hedley: Chevy. It’s the brand I grew up with. I bought my first car when I was 15, and my second when I was 16, both were Camaros. I still have the 1967 camaro I bought when I was 16.
What is your most memorable case and/or arrest?
Detective Hedley: In the late 90’s I was working patrol when a victim called reporting a sexual assault that had just occurred. The suspect had broken into a young woman’s home during the night and assaulted her. The victim did a great job of staying calm, calling as soon as he was leaving, and gave a great description of him. Because of her, I spotted him a few blocks away and arrested him. He was convicted and sentenced to 30 years.
Tell us a little about your background including other jobs you’ve held and your hobbies
Detective Hedley: I grew up in Newark and went to college at Ohlone College in Fremont. I began working at a Burger King as soon as I turned 15, then I spent 5 years working at an auto parts store in Fremont, before joining SCPD. I come from a family where most of the men were either in the military or police. I have always been into car racing and used to compete at the amateur level. I also enjoy boating and jet skiing.
