Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills announces retirement effective Sept. 5

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills announced Thursday that he will retire Sept. 5, ending nearly five years at the helm of the city’s Police Department and a career that included 13 years as a police chief.

Mills said in a social media statement that he had notified City Manager Scott Stiles and the City Council of his decision. He described Palm Springs as the “crown jewel” of his career and said he and his wife, Cathy, plan to move to the Sacramento area to be closer to his mother.

“After 48 years of policing, 13 as chief of police, it’s time to hang up my leather gear,” Mills wrote. “I cannot adequately express what an honor it has been to lead the men and women of policing and serve this amazing community.”

Mills was hired by Palm Springs in November 2021 after serving about four years as police chief in Santa Cruz. Before that, he spent four years as chief in Eureka.

His announcement follows a March statement in which Mills said he and his wife were preparing to leave Palm Springs and had put their home on the market. At the time, Mills said he was neither resigning nor retiring but was preparing the department for a transition and its “next chapter.”

Mills said Thursday that the department is prepared to move forward under new leadership.

“The department is ready to move forward with the mission,” he wrote. “They are committed to supporting and serving a wonderful community that cares about people, supports one another and wants great public safety. The team is 100% ready.”

Mayor Naomi Soto praised Mills’ leadership in a statement released to the media Thursday.

“We are grateful for Chief Andy Mills’ dedicated service and compassionate leadership, which has been a tremendous asset to the Palm Springs Police Department and the community overall,” Soto said. “His commitment has left the department stronger, and we wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement.”

Mills led the department through several major public safety incidents, including the May 2025 bombing outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic. The explosion killed the suspected bomber, injured four other people and caused extensive damage to nearby businesses.

He also led the department following a December 2024 crash in which a Palm Springs police motorcycle officer lost control during the Festival of Lights Parade and struck spectators. Mills pledged afterward to examine the department’s practices and release findings about the incident.

During his tenure, Mills frequently pointed to reduced crime, quality-of-life improvements and increased police department staffing as signs of progress. In his March statement, he credited the department’s leadership team and said its members were prepared to carry the agency forward.

Mills began his law enforcement career with the San Diego Police Department and rose through the ranks before becoming a police chief. He said Thursday that he and his wife do not yet know what they will do next but intend to remain active.

“I don’t know what the next chapter is, but I can guarantee you that Cathy and I are not done making a difference,” Mills wrote. “Serving you has been an honor and a privilege.”

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