Chief Riley has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.
Kara M. Riley has been a police officer since February 1992. Prior to being a police officer, she worked in the corrections field for five years, both at adult and juvenile jails. From 1993 to 2004, she was a police officer and sergeant with the Tucson Airport Authority. In 2004, she started her career with the Oro Valley Police Department.
Prior to becoming Chief, she held the rank of Commander. Her responsibilities included the Field Services Division for patrol, motors, K-9, SWAT, Negotiations, and the Community Action Team. She was also responsible for the Support Services Division, which is responsible for criminal investigations, community resources, public safety telecommunicators, fleet, IT, records unit and task force operations. In the past, she served as the Chief’s Executive Officer. The Executive Officer holds the responsibilities of professional development and training, the office of professional standards, and the public information officer.
Kara serves on the Board of Directors for Pima County Wireless Integrated Network, Arizona Association Chiefs of Police, President of the Oro Valley Optimist Club, Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Women’s Group, and Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. She is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates Arizona Chapter, member of the International Association Chiefs of Police, and a member of the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Managers.
Kara holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Sociology and a master’s degree in Education. In September 2015, she graduated from class 261 at the FBI National Academy and in 2012, Northwestern University Police Staff, and Command School.
Kara had the fortunate opportunity to grow up overseas in Taiwan, Abu Dhabi, and Sudan, Africa. Her father was a retired professor from the University of Arizona in the field of environmental studies. She is a mother to a University of Arizona graduate and aunt to six nieces and nephews. She enjoys fishing, watching any sport the University of Arizona is playing, CrossFit, and spending time with her husband, Joseph Shelley.