Palm Springs names deputy chief Stjerne as next police chief

Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles announced Monday that Deputy Chief of Police Kyle Stjerne, a 24-year veteran of the department, has been chosen as the city’s next chief of police.

Stjerne (pronounced “Stern”) will succeed retiring Chief of Police Andy Mills and is set to officially take on the role Sept. 6.

The selection followed an internal recruitment process that included community input, according to the city.

Stjerne joined the department as an officer in 2002 and has since moved through a series of roles, including detective sergeant, S.W.A.T. team leader and commander, internal affairs unit sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He has served as deputy chief since January 2026, a role in which he has overseen day-to-day operations for the department and its $46 million budget.

During his tenure, Stjerne has led efforts to realign the department’s crime-control strategy, an initiative city officials say has helped reduce crime citywide while boosting staff productivity. He has also overseen high-profile investigations, critical incidents and major special events, including presidential visits.

“Over the last four weeks, I have carefully reviewed the 1,300 responses Palm Springs residents contributed to our Police Chief Community Survey, and there is no doubt in my mind that Deputy Chief Stjerne exemplifies the leadership qualities our residents and City Council are seeking,” Stiles said in a statement released to the media.

“Kyle has grown into an outstanding leader, a seasoned problem solver, and a trusted public servant with a deep understanding of our Palm Springs community and values.”

Stjerne holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Diego State University, with an emphasis on social problems. He also completed a management essentials certificate through Harvard Business School Online and earned a public leadership credential from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2024. He most recently completed the Senior Management Institute for Police, a program run by the Police Executive Research Forum in Boston.

He currently holds memberships in the Riverside County Law Enforcement Administrators Association, the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the USO California Advisory Council.

“To be entrusted with leading the Palm Springs Police Department as the next Chief of Police is the profound honor of my professional life,” Stjerne said. “We will honor the successes that brought us here while boldly shaping what comes next by leading with integrity, clarity, authenticity, transparency, and genuine community engagement.”

Stjerne and his wife, Brooke, have been married 21 years and have two children. Outside of work, he holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, hikes in the Coachella Valley and reads books on leadership and team culture.

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