Cal State Long Beach announced last week that Fernando Solorzano, former University Police captain, is the new university chief of police.
Prior to being appointed chief on June 20, Solorzano was also formerly the University Police lieutenant.
“I’m really honored to continue to provide safety,” Solorzano said about his new position.
As police chief, Solorzano said he wants to continue the progress he has seen the University Police make by keeping an open communication with the Long Beach Police Department and the CSULB campus community.
“[The University Police Department] has continued to improve and cultivate a relationship with the Long Beach Police Department,” Solorzano said. “We have a good level of trust.”
Solorzano plans to focus on continuing to educate students and the outside community on safety precautions to keep crime levels low. He stresses that progress is a collaborative effort.
“Keeping everyone better informed means they will be better prepared,” Solorzano said.
He said he hopes the University Police Department will participate actively in educating the community by holding small forums with an Emergency Preparedness Sergeant to talk about safety.
In addition to continuing to have police officers participate in Parent Orientation Programs on campus, Solorzano emphasized the importance of talking about campus safety with parents of new students.
Solorzano said he plans to keep the position of chief of police for at least nine years.
When asked about the significance of this number, he simply said, “I’ll be 50 then.”
Solorzano was chosen by CSULB to fill the position after numerous candidates were considered, including University of Califonia, Los Angeles, Police Capt. John Adams and Delano Chief of Police Mark Derosia.
He has replaced former University Chief of Police Stan Skipworth, who retired at the end of the spring 2011 semester after holding the position since 2008.
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