Leadership Team
While growing up in the beautiful town of Bishop, CA, serving in law enforcement was a childhood aspiration for Chief Mays. His career began in 1999 when he joined the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department. Some of his assignments included patrol, courts, jails, and the boating enforcement unit.
In late 2003, he relocated to San Diego and continued his career in policing. Chief Mays has served in all ranks within the San Diego State University Police Department and was appointed chief of police in May 2016.
Chief Mays holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and master’s degree in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. His thesis explored strategies for managing attribution bias among police officers.
Part of Chief Mays’ leadership philosophy encompasses focusing on people, both inside and outside of the Department. This includes creating opportunities where all feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, perceptions, and ideas. Chief Mays further believes that good decision making is achieved through collaboration.
Chief Mays recognizes that when good leaders take care of people, people will take care of each other. He finds strength and resolve in the belief that the future can always be better than the present. Some of his leadership core values include fairness, patience, and integrity.
Raquel Herriott
Community & Media Relations / Special Advisor to the Chief
Raquel Herriott joined the San Diego State University Police Department in October 2012. After serving in various student positions, she became an administrative assistant for the Office of the Chief and then served as the executive assistant & special advisor to the chief of police in May 2016. By January 2018, she was appointed the position of community & media relations specialist.
In her role, Raquel serves as the public information officer for the University Police Department. She leads communication efforts, identifies opportunities for community development, coordinates special projects on behalf of the Chief of Police, and manages all social media accounts.
Raquel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in political science from San Diego State University. Her passion for public service stems from her core values: community, respect, and integrity. She believes in cross-cultural leadership and fostering inclusivity within SDSU’s diverse climate.
Lieutenant Ronald "Ron" Broussard began his service with the San Diego Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer. He served as a field training officer, academy recruit training officer, beach area enforcement team member, and acting supervisor. In 2008, Lieutenant Broussard joined the San Diego State University Police Department and was promoted to sergeant. He served as a patrol supervisor, watch commander, and training sergeant. Lt. Broussard was promoted to police lieutenant in 2016. As a police lieutenant, he serves as a patrol commander and operations lieutenant.
Lieutenant Broussard received his associate degree from San Diego Community College (Miramar) in San Diego. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from Southern Illinois University, and master's degree in justice public policy from Chapman University.
Lieutenant Broussard is a graduate of POST Management Course (Class 11-63) and the POST Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class 349).
Lieutenant Matthew "Matt" Conlon grew up in the quiet town of Glendora, CA, where from a young age he was driven to work in law enforcement. He earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Mt. San Antonio College. He continued his education at San Diego State University and obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration with a minor in sociology.
During his time at SDSU, Lt. Conlon enjoyed working on campus, both at Aztec Shops, as well as with the University Police, holding various student positions. After graduating from SDSU, Lt. Conlon was appointed as a police officer with the City of El Cajon, attending the San Diego Regional Academy. Over the following 22 years, El Cajon Police afforded Lt. Conlon with opportunities to work in numerous areas of law enforcement. This includes: Community Policing, Alcohol Beverage Control, Investigations, SWAT, Traffic, Honor Guard, Crisis Negotiations, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team, Training, and City Event Planning/Preparedness. In 2012, Lt. Conlon graduated from the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, Class 316.
Although Lt. Conlon fostered strong relationships in El Cajon, as well as with other county law enforcement agencies, he views his current position as an opportunity to return home, while continuing his career in law enforcement.
Greg Robertson
Lieutenant
619-594-0807
[email protected]
Lieutenant Gregory "Greg" Robertson grew up in Santee, CA. After graduating high school, Lt. Robertson attended San Diego Miramar College and obtained an associate degree. He is currently attending California Coast University in an effort to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration.
Prior to entering law enforcement, Lt. Robertson worked in the retail grocery business for 10 years, where he learned the importance of community relations and positive communication. In 1996, Lt. Robertson was appointed as a police officer with the El Cajon Police Department. He was afforded the opportunity to serve as a field training officer, dispatch supervisor, and background coordinator as well as work in the investigations unit. In 2011, Lt. Robertson expanded his law enforcement knowledge and experience after being promoted to the rank of sergeant. As a sergeant, he took on various responsibilities in Field Training Management, Special Operations, School Resource Officer Management, Bike Team Operations, City Event Planning & Preparedness, Crisis Negotiations Team Leader, Honor Guard, as well as Community Resource and Outreach Management. In 2014, Lt. Robertson graduated from the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, Class #350.
Lt. Robertson understands that developing and maintaining community partnerships are key elements in an effective police department. In addition, the success of any police agency depends on community trust. Lt. Robertson is honored to be part of the San Diego State University community and will take every opportunity to foster professional relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors of San Diego State University.
Chanin Harrison began her career with the San Diego State University Police Department in 2003 as a student assistant in the Parking and Key Issue Office. She quickly aspired to become a police dispatcher after hearing police radio traffic and witnessing the police dispatchers at work in the communications center. Chanin was sworn in as a police dispatcher with the department in 2005. She served as a tactical dispatcher, communications training officer, and lead dispatcher.
In 2011, Chanin transitioned into the position of executive assistant to the Chief of Police where she supported the Office of the Chief and fiscal operations of the department. Chanin was appointed to communications center and fiscal manager in 2015.
Chanin received her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies.
Shawn Brown was born and raised in southern California. He studied criminal justice administration at San Diego State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
Shawn has worked at the San Diego State University Police Department since 2005, starting as a community service officer, and then serving as a parking officer, parking sergeant, and administrative analyst/specialist. In 2016, he was promoted to the position of parking operations manager.
Shawn believes in strengths-based management and that employees are most effective when improving their abilities. He also believes that encouraging employee development, establishing trust, and creating meaningful relationships cultivates value for the organization. Shawn acknowledges that everyone has the potential to create value, but most are not challenged to do so. A leader identifies an employee’s strength, aids in development, provides mentorship, and motivates employees by setting accomplishable goals that support an established strategic vision.