On behalf of the men and women of the University Police Department, welcome to California State University, San Marcos. The University Police Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days week, year round. There is always a trained emergency dispatcher on duty to answer your calls, and professional police officers on duty to respond to your calls for assistance.

The police officers of this department have statewide police authority, and the department subscribes to the standards of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).  Our officers receive the same basic training as municipal and county peace officers, plus additional training to meet the unique needs of a campus community environment. 

California State University San Marcos is a dynamic, fast growing campus; yet still maintains a very low crime rate. The University Police Department is dedicated to the guiding principles of community oriented policing, as it will take a true partnership with students, faculty and staff to maintain the safe environment we enjoy today. 

As a member of our campus community, we ask you to be our eyes and ears. Please program our telephone number 760-750-4567 into your cell phone, and report suspicious activity immediately, rather than waiting for a crime to occur. Always lock your vehicle, and do not leave valuables visible from outside. There are trained Community Service Officers to provide nighttime escorts for you upon request, and blue light phones throughout campus to contact us as well. 

Most importantly, be ever mindful of the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol. This campus community is home to people with the brightest of futures. Do not let the abuse of alcohol and/ or drugs interfere with the pursuit of your goals. 

We invite you to review our crime statistics in this website as contained in our Clery Report, and also to review the various programs and services provided by our department. We wish you a safe and enjoyable learning experience at California State University San Marcos.

Ronald J. Hackenberg

Chief of Police

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