Tolber, who has led the Redlands Police Department since 2023, plans to retire at the end of the year. A process to select her successor is underway.
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Redlands News | September 10, 2026
Tolber, who has led the Redlands Police Department since 2023, plans to retire at the end of the year. A process to select her successor is underway.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber will retire at the end of the year, concluding a 28-year career with the Redlands Police Department, the city announced Monday.
Tolber has served as police chief since 2023 after spending her entire law enforcement career with the department. She began as an intern in 1997 and was sworn in as a police officer in 1998.
“Serving the community of Redlands, most recently as Chief of Police, has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Tolber said in a statement released by the city.
Tolber did not provide a specific reason for her decision to retire but said she looks forward to spending more time with her family.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have the utmost confidence that the Redlands Police Department is well positioned for continued success,” Tolber said. “I am committed to working with City leadership to ensure a seamless transition to my successor.”
City Manager Charlie Duggan praised Tolber's leadership and 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.”
Under city policy, the police chief is appointed by the city manager. Duggan said a process to identify Tolber's successor is underway, though the city did not provide details about how the next chief will be selected or a timeline for the appointment.
Tolber became interim police chief in March 2023 following the retirement of former Chief Chris Catren and was permanently appointed to the position that June.
Her appointment came during a period of turmoil within the department, as allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving members of police leadership were emerging and would later become the subject of lawsuits and whistleblower claims.
During her tenure as chief, the city said Tolber focused on recruitment, employee wellness and the use of new technology. In April, Tolber received the Gary P. Hayes Award from the Police Executive Research Forum, a national honor recognizing leadership and innovation in policing. Her final year as chief has also included a major milestone for the department: the start of construction on a long-planned new police headquarters at the former Kmart property on West Redlands Boulevard.
The City Council approved a $49.7 million construction contract for the project in July. The new police station is expected to cost approximately $78 million overall.
Tolber holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Redlands, a master's degree in criminology, law and society from UC Irvine and a master's degree in applied criminology from the University of Cambridge. She is also a graduate of the California POST Command College.
Tolber has also held leadership and advisory roles with national organizations focused on policing research and criminal justice.
Tolber said she plans to work with city leadership through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition to her successor.
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