Palm Springs police chief to retire at year’s end
The Palm Springs chief of police is planning to retire at the end of December, according to City Hall Spokesperson Amy Blaisdell.
Blaisdell said Chief Al Franz will be retiring at the end of December. City Manager David Ready has not yet determined who will replace him.
According to the city’s website, Alberto Franz, III, was appointed to the position of Police Chief of the Palm Springs Police Department in June 2011. He has over 27 years of law enforcement experience, the last 26 years being with the Palm Springs Police Department. He obtained his Associates Degree in Administration of Justice from College of the Desert, and graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development.
Chief Franz began his career in law enforcement with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department and served as a Deputy Sheriff before moving to the Palm Springs Police Department in 1987. As an officer, he worked assignments in patrol operations, detective bureau, served as a Field Training Officer training newly hired officers, and was a member of the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
City officials said Franz was promoted to Sergeant in 1999 and supervised the patrol officers and Field Training Officers. Promoted to Lieutenant in 2005, he managed the patrol operations, investigations bureau and the SWAT Team. In 2009, he was promoted to Captain and managed the Services Division of the Police Department and then the Operations Division. He has worked every facet of law enforcement from patrol detail to the specialized detective assignment. He was appointed Interim Police Chief in January 2011 and served in that capacity until his promotion and appointment to Police Chief in June 2011.
At this time, we don’t know what Chief Franz’ plans are upon retirement. News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will deliver updates when city officials name his replacement.
