SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After more than three decades in law enforcement, Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester announced she will retire, with her final day set for May 15.
In a news release, she said she’s proud of the department’s progress in reducing violence and strengthening community partnerships, adding the agency is now in a strong position.
“After 32 years in law enforcement, I have made the decision to retire,” said Chief Lester. “Serving the Sacramento community has been the honor of my career. This decision comes at the right time for me and my family, and I look forward to the next chapter.” “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past several years—reducing violence, strengthening partnerships, and building strategies that are making a difference. We’ve made real progress—we didn’t just hold the line, we turned a corner. The department is in a strong position today, and I wanted to ensure that before making this decision.”
Lester joined Sacramento Police Department in 1994 as a dispatch before becoming an officer in 1996. She became the city’s first female police chief in 2021. City Manager Maraskeshia Smith also thanked Chief Lester for her service.
“Chief Lester has dedicated more than three decades to public service and has led the Sacramento Police Department with professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to community safety,” said Smith. “Under her leadership, the department has made meaningful progress in reducing violence and strengthening partnerships across our city. I appreciate Chief Lester’s leadership and her commitment to ensuring a strong and stable transition for the department.”
Smith will appoint Deputy Chief Zachary Bales as Interim Chief of Police upon Lester’s retirement.