Palm Springs, CA

The City of Palm Springs has selected Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne as its next Chief of Police, the Palm Springs Police Department announced.

Stjerne, a 24-year veteran of the department, will officially assume command Sept. 6, succeeding retiring Chief Andy Mills, who has led the department for five years and is retiring after nearly five decades in law enforcement.

Stjerne joined the department in 2002 and has served in a range of leadership positions, including detective sergeant, SWAT team leader and commander, internal affairs sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. He has served as deputy chief since January 2026, overseeing day-to-day operations and the department’s $46 million budget. During his career, he has led major criminal investigations, critical incidents and high-profile events, including presidential visits.

The Palm Springs Police Department, in announcing the appointment, described Stjerne as a leader who has “helped shape” the department over more than two decades of service and praised his steady leadership, sound judgment and commitment to both department personnel and the broader community.

Stjerne holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Diego State University and has completed management and public leadership programs through Harvard University and Harvard Business School Online. He also recently graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police offered by the Police Executive Research Forum.

Stjerne and his wife, Brooke, have been married 21 years and have two children.

The department credited Mills for his leadership during his tenure and said it looks forward to the next chapter under Stjerne’s command.