Cal Poly welcomes new police chief with decades of experience

Cal Poly has named Robert Plastino as the university’s new chief of police, according to a news release Tuesday.

Plastino will assume the role on July 25.

He comes from 27 years at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office where he managed the department’s North and South County operations, the release said. In Santa Barbara, he supervised more than 250 sworn and non-sworn staff, along with criminal investigations.

According to the release, he has worked with colleges before, collaborating with UC Santa Barbara’s administration and students. He also established community relations with Isla Vista residents.

Plastino holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Cal Poly community and continue to build on the great work that the department has been doing to foster a culture of excellence, accountability and integrity,” Plastino said in the release.

Plastino will take over from previous chief George Hughes who was promoted in 2024 to associate vice president of public safety. Hughes’ role now oversees the police departments at Cal Poly’s SLO and Solano campuses, along with the university’s Transportation and Parking Services and Department of Emergency Services.

Plastino will oversee 22 sworn officers in his new position.

“As we head into a new academic year, we will recommit to teamwork, cross campus collaboration and constant innovation so we can continue to grow trust in our community and increase support on campus,” Plastino said in the release.