Incoming Chief Mark Rigali To Lead Temecula Southwest Sheriffs Station

TEMECULA, CA — Riverside County Sheriff's Department Captain Mark Rigali, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and former Lieutenant for the City of Temecula, is returning to Temecula as its top law enforcement official: Chief of Police and Captain of the Sheriff’s Southwest Station.

The department said Captain Rigali began transitioning to the city last week. Temecula Mayor James Stewart and City Manager Aaron Adams made the joint announcement.

Temecula's Mayor James “Stew” Stewart expressed confidence in his leadership, “As Temecula’s former Lieutenant who has served as Captain over the past two years within the County of Riverside, and a resident with a vast public safety career, we welcome Captain Rigali’s deep-rooted connection to Temecula and extensive law enforcement experience for this critical role.”

The city thanks its outgoing Police Chief, Captain Chris Durham, who is transitioning to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Bureau in downtown Riverside. “

We congratulate Captain Durham in his new position, and are confident Captain Rigali will seamlessly continue and promote Temecula’s policing strategies that include zero tolerance for crime to ensure our city remains a safe and vibrant place for all residents and businesses.”

Temecula City Manager Aaron Adams welcomed Captain Rigali back to the executive team and shared his appreciation for Captain Durham’s diligent public safety work in the City of Temecula.

“Captain Durham implemented fundamental safety measures that ensure individuals who commit crimes in Temecula are located, and apprehended accordingly.” Adams said. “As we move forward under Captain Rigali’s leadership, he will reinforce the City’s proactive law enforcement approach to deter crime in Temecula and maintain a safe City -- we are excited to have him back!”

Captain Mark Rigali brings extensive operational and administrative experience to his new position with the city.

Captain Rigali is a graduate of the FBI National Academy located at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. He has served the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years of his 30-year career in law enforcement.

Captain Rigali, a longtime Temecula resident, released a statement on his new role.

“I understand that public safety is paramount to our city, and look forward to serving my community. Our steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional public safety protection is firmly established in our dedicated team of deputies who are not only tasked with enforcing the law and holding offenders accountable but also fostering an environment, in collaboration with residents and businesses, that dissuades criminal activity from entering our city. Returning to Temecula is a great honor to serve as its Police Chief, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity.”

The City of Temecula contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office to provide all law enforcement services.