POMONA, Calif. - A former Cal Poly Pomona track and field star 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, took over as head of University Police on Monday.

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

He earned several spots on the Broncos' all-time leaderboard for top performances in the 200-meter and 400-meter events along with the sprint medley. He ranks at No. 9 in the 200 (21.36), No. 6 in the 400 (47.52) and he was also part of the second-best sprint medley group that had a mark of 3:23.3.

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."

Robinson has taken 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.

Meanwhile, the unofficial start to the 2016 Broncos' track and field season will be Feb. 6 with the Green & Gold Meet on Feb. 6. The first official meet is Feb. 20 in Claremont.