Redlands Police Chief to Retire After 28-Year Career
Photo courtesy city of Redlands
Chief Rachel Tolber, left, receiving the Gary P. Hayes Award last May from the Police Executive Research Forum for demonstrating leadership and innovation in policing.
REDLANDS — Following a 28-year career with the Redlands Police Department, Police Chief Rachel Tolber has announced her intention to retire at the end of the year.
"Serving the community of Redlands, most recently as chief of police, has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Tolber said. "I am thankful for those who have been a part of my journey, especially the men and women of the Redlands Police Department, law enforcement partners, city colleagues, City Council, and the community we serve. Thank you for your trust and confidence."
Tolber added that she is proud of the department's accomplishments and remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition.
"As I prepare to close this chapter, I do so with tremendous gratitude for my more than 28 years of service, the relationships I have built along the way, and the opportunity to serve the community of Redlands," Tolber said. "I look forward to what lies ahead and, most of all, spending more time with my family."
City Manager Charlie Duggan praised Tolber's leadership over the past three years and her decades of service to the city.
"Chief Tolber has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this department, its personnel and the entire Redlands community," Duggan said. "Her exceptional leadership has set the Redlands Police Department on a firm course for continued success, and I wish her the very best in a well-deserved retirement after a stellar career."
Appointed police chief in 2023, Tolber began her law enforcement career with the department as an intern in 1997 before being sworn in as an officer in 1998. In recent years, her leadership focused on strategic recruitment, organizational wellness and the integration of innovative technology. Her tenure culminated with the groundbreaking of the city's long-awaited new police facility.
Tolber holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Redlands and a master's degree in criminology, law and society from the University of California, Irvine. She also earned a master's degree in applied criminology from the University of Cambridge and is a graduate of the California POST Command College.
Her professional affiliations include service on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Research Advisory Committee and a Uniform Crime Reporting Subcommittee under the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Board. She is a fellow of the Future Policing Institute, a founding and emeritus board member of the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing, and an alumna of the National Institute of Justice's LEADS Scholar program.
In the community, Tolber serves on multiple local boards supporting crime prevention, violence intervention and youth outreach. She is a member of the Redlands Sunrise Rotary Club and mentors men and women in the policing profession.
Under city policy, the position of police chief is appointed by the city manager. Duggan noted that a process to identify the department's next leader is underway, with additional details on the selection process and timeline to be shared as they are finalized.