Dustin Lopez grew up in Lake Tahoe, California, and joined the United States Marine Corp in 1988. After four years of active-duty service, and several overseas assignments, including Panama and Japan, Dustin was honorably discharged in October of 1992.

Dustin joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Deputy one week after being discharged from the Marine Corp. He attended the 14^th Corrections Academy and was assigned to the Vista Detention Facility upon graduation. He was later transferred to Otay Mesa for the opening of the George Bailey Detention Facility.

In 1995, Dustin was hired as a Deputy Sheriff and graduated from the 25^th Regional Law Enforcement Academy. As a Deputy Sheriff, he was assigned to the Vista Station, Vista COPPS Unit, San Marcos Area Detectives, S.A.F.E Task Force, Child Abuse Unit, and Homicide.

In December of 2012, Dustin was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He worked at the Vista Patrol Station, North Coastal Station, and Child Abuse before promoting to lieutenant in April 2018. After his promotion he was assigned to the Vista Courthouse, San Marcos Station, and the North County Regional Gang Task Force.

In August of 2021, he was promoted to Captain, and assigned to the North Coastal Station. He served as the station commander for the cities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.

In March of 2023, Dustin was promoted to the rank of Commander. He oversaw the Law Enforcement Operations Support within the Law Enforcement Services Bureau. 

In March of 2024, he was promoted to Assistant Sheriff and currently leads the Detention Services Bureau. 

Dustin possesses a bachelor's degree of science in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.