Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills announced on Thursday, March 19, that he is leaving his job and selling his home in the city.
But Mills has yet to resign or retire. He said there is no confirmation yet on when he will leave the police station and he just wants to quell rumors and concerns about seeing his house go on the market on Monday, March 23.
“I don’t know when, but it’s just a process of starting to prepare for the transition of the department,” he said. “So whenever it happens, it’s smooth and seamless.”
On April 8, 2022, Palm Springs, California Police Chief Andy Mills spoke about the importance of lowering speed limits to reduce traffic fatalities across the city.
The city of Palm Springs hired Mills on October 12, 2021. Some of the major incidents he has handled during his tenure include the Fertility Centers of America fertility clinic bombing, protests such as the “Rally Without a King” against the Trump administration, and an incident during a holiday parade in which a police officer lost control of his motorcycle and injured attendees.
Mills said he made the decision after working hard to prepare and develop people for leadership roles.
“My assessment is, and I’ve talked to the city manager and the city council, all of these people in our department have taken the leadership role really seriously and, in my opinion, are ready,” Mills said. “So now the question is when do I exit and what does that look like, and I’m not ready. I’m not retiring. I’m not resigning.”
The police chief shared the news with residents via a Facebook post, in which he said it was time to look for his next assignment.
“I have a passion in my heart and a passion to lead in my heart,” he said in a social media post.
He told The Desert Sun his next step has yet to be determined, but he’s not worried because he has many opportunities and options.
This is a development story.
This article originally appeared in Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs police chief prepares to resign
