Kyle Stjerne selected as next Palm Springs Police Chief

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The City of Palm Springs has a new Chief of Police. City Manager Scott Stiles has selected Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne as the city’s next Chief of Police following an internal recruitment process and community input.

Stjerne, a 24-year veteran of the Palm Springs Police Department, will succeed retiring Chief Andy Mills and officially begin his new role on September 6.

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, Stjerne has led major criminal investigations, critical incidents and high-profile events, including presidential visits. He has also played a key role in reshaping the department’s crime-control strategy, which city officials say has helped reduce crime while improving productivity and operational effectiveness.

Stiles said Stjerne’s experience and understanding of the community made him the right choice after reviewing 1,300 responses to the city’s Police Chief Community Survey.

“Kyle has grown into an outstanding leader, a seasoned problem solver, and a trusted public servant,” Stiles said, adding that he is confident Stjerne will build on the department’s foundation of inclusive, community-centered policing.

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.

In a statement, Stjerne called the appointment the “profound honor” of his professional life and pledged to lead with integrity, transparency and community engagement while focusing on crime prevention, quality of life and modern policing.

Stjerne and his wife, Brooke, have been married for 21 years and have two children. Outside of work, he practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hikes in the Coachella Valley and reads extensively about leadership and high-performing teams.