The City of Sacramento will begin searching for a new police chief after current Chief Kathy Lester announced her retirement.<\/p>\n
Lester released a statement Monday announcing her decision.<\/p>\n
“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,” Lester stated.<\/p>\n
Her final day as chief is set for May 15.<\/p>\n
Lester, who has 32 years in law enforcement, says she is proud of the work to make Sacramento safer.<\/p>\n
Sacramento, CA \u2014 Police Chief Kathy Lester has announced her retirement after 32 years in law enforcement. Her final day as Chief of Police will be May 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 32 years in law enforcement, I have made the decision to retire,\u201d said Chief Lester. \u201cServing the Sacramento\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/9rDyGhl197<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) April 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n “Under her leadership, the department has made meaningful progress in reducing violence and strengthening partnerships across our city,” said Sacramento’s City Manager Maraskeshia Smith in a statement.<\/p>\n Lester was the first woman to hold the rank of Police Chief in Sacramento, the department said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Deputy Chief Zachary Bales will serve as interim chief following Lester’s retirement.<\/p>\n “We’ve made real progress\u2014we didn’t just hold the line, we turned a corner,” Lester stated.<\/p>\n Lester was sworn in as chief in December 2021. Her predecessor, Daniel Hahn, served from August 2017 to December 2021.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n