Leadership Team
Gregory Murphy
Interim Chief of Police
With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Gregory Murphy has held
critical leadership positions focused on police operations, investigations and advocacy.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Murphy started his law enforcement career with
the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). During his time at LAPD, he specialized in street gang enforcement and criminal gang
activity suppression. Murphy also made significant contributions to help establish
the agency’s data warehouse for collecting, tracking and reporting use-of-force incidents,
preventable collisions, community complaints and lawsuits.
Following his career at LAPD, Murphy joined the University of California, Davis. He
then became a regional manager for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards
Training (POST) in Sacramento, where he trained and consulted over 200 California
police agencies.
Murphy returned to higher education uniformed public safety after working in managerial
positions for POST. Throughout his career, Murphy has served as chief of police across
all three of California’s institutions of higher education: the California Community
College, California State University and University of California systems. Most recently,
he served as the Acting Chief of Police for the University of California, San Diego,
where he has collaborated with the other nine UC campus police chiefs to implement elements
of police reform within the UC System.
Murphy believes that establishing strong community relationships and sustaining community
dialogue are core pillars of policing within an organization. His philosophy is based
on what he refers to as the three E’s of public safety: Environment, Education, and
Enforcement. He is eager to join SDSU to continue enhancing public safety initiatives
while cultivating a climate of service, care, and belonging.
Murphy holds a master’s degree in information technology and a bachelor’s degree in
computer science. He is an ongoing lecturer for the University of Virginia’s Master’s
in Public Safety Program and the Sierra Community College District’s Administration
of Justice Program. Murphy's research includes studies on principled policing, police
use of force and community policing.
Hank Turner
Assistant Chief of Police
Assistant Chief Hank Turner started his law enforcement career in 1992 as a deputy
with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department (SDSD), where he rose to the rank of Commander.
During his 30 years with the SDSD, he worked in a variety of assignments. He was a
training officer, a detective, supervised the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit, supervised
the San Diego Integrated Narcotics Task Force, and served as the department’s watch
commander at the Communication Center, among many other assignments.
Assistant Chief Turner began working at the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) as a captain in May 2022, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the police department’s patrol, investigations, special events, and operational support units. In December 2023, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police.
Assistant Chief Turner has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Policing in Boston. He also completed the Harvard Law School Work and Labor Program. For over 20 years, Assistant Chief Turner volunteered as a camp counselor and director with a leadership program for at-risk and under-served high school students around San Diego County. He is also an instructor at the regional POST Sergeant School and the San Diego Regional Leadership Institute.
As a firm believer in community policing, he enjoys working with community stakeholders to create a safe environment for everyone. He is an advocate for community service and has volunteered with various groups throughout his career.
Assistant Chief Turner has lived in San Diego for over 50 years. He has been married to his wife for the last 31 years, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren.
Assistant Chief Turner began working at the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) as a captain in May 2022, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the police department’s patrol, investigations, special events, and operational support units. In December 2023, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police.
Assistant Chief Turner has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Policing in Boston. He also completed the Harvard Law School Work and Labor Program. For over 20 years, Assistant Chief Turner volunteered as a camp counselor and director with a leadership program for at-risk and under-served high school students around San Diego County. He is also an instructor at the regional POST Sergeant School and the San Diego Regional Leadership Institute.
As a firm believer in community policing, he enjoys working with community stakeholders to create a safe environment for everyone. He is an advocate for community service and has volunteered with various groups throughout his career.
Assistant Chief Turner has lived in San Diego for over 50 years. He has been married to his wife for the last 31 years, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren.
Chanin Harrison
Associate Director of Police Support Services
Chanin Harrison began her career with the San Diego State University Police Department
(UPD) 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.
Since then, she has been appointed to Associate Director of Police Support Services.
Chanin received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from SDSU with a minor in women’s
studies.
Gregory "Greg" Robertson
Lieutenant - Special Events and Administration
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 and 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 SDSU.
Ruben Villegas
Lieutenant - Investigations and Training
Lieutenant Ruben Villegas was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. After high school, he started his educational
career at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA. In 1995, he transferred to San Diego
State University where he began working for the University Police Department (UPD)
as a Public Safety Assistant, now known as Community Service Officers.
Lt. Villegas graduated from San Diego State University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Soon after graduating, he was hired by UPD and sent to the academy. Lt. Villegas began his service with the department in 1998 as a patrol officer. He served as a field training officer, ABC task force officer, bike patrol officer, and acting supervisor. In 2008, he was promoted to Sergeant. He served as a patrol supervisor, watch commander, and bike patrol sergeant. Lt. Villegas was promoted to police lieutenant in 2018. As a police lieutenant, he serves as a patrol operations lieutenant.
Lt. Villegas graduated from San Diego State University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Soon after graduating, he was hired by UPD and sent to the academy. Lt. Villegas began his service with the department in 1998 as a patrol officer. He served as a field training officer, ABC task force officer, bike patrol officer, and acting supervisor. In 2008, he was promoted to Sergeant. He served as a patrol supervisor, watch commander, and bike patrol sergeant. Lt. Villegas was promoted to police lieutenant in 2018. As a police lieutenant, he serves as a patrol operations lieutenant.
Lieutenant Villegas is a graduate of the POST Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class 348).
Eric Burris
Lieutenant - Patrol Operations
Lt. Eric Burris began his career with the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) in 2013
as a Police Officer assigned to the patrol division. Lt. Burris had the privilege to serve as a Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and Administrative Sergeant
before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2021 and being reassigned to the Patrol Division.
Lt. Burris earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Domestic Security Management from National
University in 2011.
Raquel Herriott
Public Information Officer
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.