Luis Santaella began his career with the UCSD Police Department in 1988, first serving as a student dispatcher and later as a full-time police dispatcher. He subsequently became California POST-certified as a Public Safety Dispatcher and advanced to the role of communications supervisor.

During his tenure, he handled countless 911 and non-emergency calls, trained many new dispatchers, developed a campus fire response grid, and served as the CLETS/NCIC agency terminal coordinator. His record of service reflects long-standing work in public safety communications, operational coordination, dispatcher training, and day-to-day support for campus safety operations.