Chief Kathy Lester is stepping away from the Sacramento Police Department after a 32-year run, with her last day set for May 15. City officials say an interim chief will be named while the search begins for a permanent replacement, closing out a three-decade career that has taken Lester through patrol, internal affairs, recruiting and community engagement.
"After 32 years in law enforcement, I have made the decision to retire." https://x.com/i/status/2043789345405149524
— Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) April 13, 2026
Department Post and Interim Leadership
The Sacramento Police Department shared the announcement on its X account on April 13, noting that City Manager Maraskeshia Smith will appoint Deputy Chief Zachary Bales as interim chief. In the post, Lester wrote, "After 32 years in law enforcement, I have made the decision to retire." The full announcement is available from the Sacramento Police Department.
Lester's Career in Sacramento
Lester joined the department in 1994 and moved through assignments in patrol, internal affairs, recruiting and community outreach before being sworn in as the city's 46th chief at the end of 2021, reporting by KCRA notes. KCRA also documented that she was Sacramento’s first woman to hold the job. During her tenure she highlighted a violent-crime reduction strategy paired with community engagement efforts.
Deputy Chief Zachary Bales Named Interim
Deputy Chief Zachary Bales, who leads the department’s Office of Investigations, will step in as interim chief while the city carries out its transition plan. Bales has been with the department since 2002 and brings investigative and patrol experience, according to his City of Sacramento profile. City Manager Maraskeshia Smith thanked Lester for her leadership, saying she "has dedicated more than three decades to public service" in the department’s post on X.
Timing and Local Context
Lester’s retirement comes as Sacramento continues to debate policing priorities and city budget decisions at recent City Council meetings. Local reporting has noted her focus on reducing gun violence and expanding neighborhood programs as key themes of her leadership. Coverage by Capital Public Radio and other outlets has followed the fiscal and policy pressures facing the department.
