Police Chief Kathy Lester announced her retirement on Apr. 13 after serving 32 years in law enforcement. Her last day as Chief of Police will be May 15.
Lester said the decision to retire comes at the right time for her and her family, and she reflected on her career with the Sacramento Police Department. “After 32 years in law enforcement, I have made the decision to retire,” Lester said. “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 highlighted progress during her tenure, including efforts to reduce violence and strengthen partnerships within Sacramento. “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.”
She also expressed confidence in City Manager Maraskeshia Smith’s leadership moving forward: “We have worked closely together, and I have full confidence in her leadership and in the direction of the organization moving forward,” Lester said.
City Manager Smith thanked Lester for more than three decades of public 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,” Smith said. “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 on May 15.
