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University Police

Leadership Team

Michael "Mike" Hastings

Michael "Mike" Hastings

Interim Chief of Police

Chief Mike Hastings began his career in law enforcement in 1992 as a volunteer reserve police officer with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) and worked his way up the ranks before being appointed interim chief of police at San Diego State University Police Department (UPD). He started at UPD as captain in January 2021, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the police department’s patrol, investigations, and operational support units before assuming the interim chief role in November 2021. 

Chief Hastings believes in leading a life of service. He served in the United States Air Force before joining SDPD. His storied law enforcement career includes working in homicide, internal affairs, and investigations, to name a few of his assignments. 

As interim chief of police, he plays a leading role in connecting UPD  with the university community and the surrounding community it serves through collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, community members, and neighboring law enforcement agencies. 

Chief Hastings strongly believes in community-oriented policing and stakeholder involvement in  police departments. Having  implemented community policing throughout his career, he continues to want everyone he serves to have a voice and understands the importance of inclusion and open-mindedness while also policing effectively.

Gregory "Greg" Robertson

Gregory "Greg" Robertson

Lieutenant

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

Ruben Villegas

Lieutenant

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. 

Lieutenant Villegas is a graduate of the POST Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class 348).
Chanin Harrison

Chanin Harrison

Police Services Manager

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.

Chanin received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from SDSU with a minor in women’s studies.
Vacant

Vacant

Public Information Officer

The public information officer (PIO) for the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) typically leads communication efforts on behalf of the department. 

While this role is vacant, communications are being handled by others at the university and within UPD. If you require PIO-related assistance, please reach out via email.
Shawn Brown

Shawn Brown

Parking Operations Manager

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 (UPD) 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.