A Cal Poly Pomona alumnus with a long career in local law enforcement has been selected as the university’s next chief of police.

Dario Robinson, a lieutenant with the San Bernardino Police Department, will take over as head of University Police on Jan. 25.

Robinson’s selection as University Police chief returns him to the campus where he competed on the track team and earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral studies upon graduating in 1991.

In the years that followed, he joined the Pomona Police Department, where he was assigned to the motor, bicycle and mounted (equine) patrols. In 1999 he joined the San Bernardino Police department, working in assignments that include vice and narcotics investigations, training, community affairs, youth outreach and eventually rising through the ranks to the level of lieutenant.

Robinson is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and Cal State Northridge, where he received his Master of Public Administration degree in 2013.

“Dario is well respected in the local community for his integrity and commitment and has a strong record of being actively involved in the community he serves,” says Kathleen Street, acting vice president for student affairs. “We look forward to his leadership as the university moves forward in ensuring a safe and secure environment for the campus.”

Over the next several weeks, Robinson will undergo training to acclimate him to the campus environment before officially taking the reins of the University Police from interim Chief Bruce Wilson, who has been with the department for three decades.

“I look forward to once again being part of the Cal Poly Pomona family, and to being a member of your public safety community,” Robinson says.