Administrative Bureau - Deputy Chief Brian Amoroso

Deputy Chief Amoroso started his career in Law Enforcement at the Santa Barbara Police Department in 2003 where he worked for two years as a Patrol Officer.  He was hired by SLOPD in 2005 and has held many positions including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Metro Bicycle Officer, and Narcotics Detective before promoting to Sergeant in 2011.  As a Sergeant, he completed assignments supervising Officers on Patrol, in the Downtown on bicycles, and in the Narcotics Bureau.  In 2017, he was promoted to Lieutenant, where he worked as a Watch Commander until being promoted to Captain in 2019. In August 2023, the Captain rank was reclassified to Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Amoroso served on the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team since 2008 and served as the team commander for several years.

Deputy Chief Amoroso has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He worked in the private sector for 5 years as an Information Technology Consultant and Computer Programmer prior to becoming a Police Officer.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #281, the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, Class #333, and has worked as a Criminal Justice Instructor at Cuesta College.

Operations Bureau 

Aaron Schafer is the Deputy Police Chief for the City of San Luis Obispo, bringing nearly two decades of law enforcement experience to his role.  Since joining the department in 2007, Aaron has advanced through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant, and now deputy chief.  His career reflects a commitment to public safety, leadership development, and fostering strong relationships with the community, city administration, and department personnel. 

Deputy Chief Schafer has held numerous specialized assignments, including administrative lieutenant, investigations, hiring and training manager, and patrol operations.  He has overseen critical units, including the Detective Bureau, Special Enforcement Team, and Records Bureau, and has played a key role in policy development, internal affairs investigations, and strategic planning.  Deputy Chief Schafer was instrumental in the development of the departments' Peer Support Team and Chaplin program. His leadership extends beyond the department as president of the San Luis Obispo Police Staff Officers Association.

Dedicated to professional growth and community engagement, Deputy Chief Schafer has completed advanced leadership programs, including the POST Management Course and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. He is passionate about building collaborative solutions to complex challenges and creating a culture of accountability and innovation within law enforcement.  Outside of work, Deputy Chief Schafer enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching youth sports, golfing, and supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.