Riverside County Undersheriff Colleen Walker Announces Retirement

Riverside County Undersheriff Colleen Walker will step down from her position on July 23. The county’s second female undersheriff announced her retirement Wednesday after 4 years on the job.

Walker has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for more than 3 decades. She began her career as a dispatcher at the Indio Sheriff’s Station in 1979 before working her way up to deputy, investigator, lieutenant, captain, chief deputy, and then assistant sheriff. In 2010, she was appointed undersheriff and chief of staff—the second woman to hold such a position since the department’s creation over 120 years ago.

"Colleen has performed meritoriously for the last four years as our undersheriff," said Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff. "She has devoted her life to dedicated and selfless service to our communities, and has set the example in leadership, work ethic, integrity, technical skills, and depth of experience, while giving back to our communities."

Sniff went on to describe Walker as a powerful role model for young women.

Walker’s achievements have also been recognized by various women’s organizations. In 2010, she received a Ruby Award from the Soroptimist International of Riverside, acknowledging her work improving the lives of other women. That same year, she was honored by the Young Women Christian Association. 

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department employs more than 4,000 workers and serves over 7,300 square miles, making it the second largest sheriff’s department in the state.

Read more about Colleen Walker’s retirement here.