Steve Higgins was born in San Bernardino, graduated from Victor Valley High School in 1982 and later graduated from Victor Valley Community College with an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice. Steve has been married for 37 years, has three adult children and six grandchildren. Steve started his career with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department in 1986. Upon graduating from the 87th Basic Academy, he was assigned to the Central Detention Center.
After working corrections, Steve worked patrol at the Apple Valley Station where he became the stations K9 handler. Steve was promoted to Detective and worked at the Rancho Cucamonga Station and Specialized Investigations Division where he was assigned to the Homicide Detail. He worked in corrections and the Narcotics/SWAT Division as a Sergeant and was responsible for Desert Communications (Dispatch), Training Center and the Bureau of Administration when he was a Lieutenant. As a Captain, Steve was in command of the Information Services Division, Victor Valley Station, Hesperia Station, and Bureau of Administration.
Steve continued his education and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University San Bernardino. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class #245, the Supervisory Leadership Program (SLI), the POST Executive Development Course and the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).
In 2014, Steve was promoted to Deputy Chief and was responsible for overseeing the Special Operations Bureau, and in 2017 Steve was promoted to Assistant Sheriff overseeing Criminal Operations and continued to work in this capacity until his retirement from regular service in 2020.
On February 24th, 2024, Sheriff Shannon Dicus appointed Steve Higgins as the Interim Undersheriff.