About the Department

Established in 1951, the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) is a State and Nationally Accredited law enforcement agency that provides the highest degree of safety and security possible for the University of Florida community.

UFPD currently employ over 163 sworn and support personnel to include 88 certified law enforcement officers that provide twenty-four hour-per day patrol and protection of campus and local assets, enforcing all laws and ordinances. UFPD is committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property.

Like many municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies, UFPD has a Criminal Investigations Division dedicated to investigating crimes occurring on its campus, a Bicycle Patrol Unit, Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), 4 K-9 Teams, Motor Cycle Unit, the Office of Victim Services, and other specialized units responsible for duties unique to the campus environment.

In 2023, UFPD was recognized as the Crime Prevention Unit of the Year (Small Agency) by the Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA).

This award recognizes the special efforts and exceptional accomplishments performed by an agency’s Crime Prevention Unit. UFPD’s Crime Prevention Unit is just one of the great divisions tasked with providing presentations and classes for all groups on campus.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintains all Emergency Management and preparedness functions, reporting and oversight.
• Manages operations in a manner that ensures a high level of professionalism.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders while serving on University committees, working groups, and partnering with city, state, University, and community agencies to develop and implement leading-edge strategies for policing.
• Implements a program of emergency preparedness with an all-hazards mission approach for emergency management focused on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Develop and maintain partnerships throughout the University while ensuring all programs are aligned with University strategic goals and objectives

The University of Florida

The University is ranked among the “top ten” public universities in the nation (according to the current US News & World Report’s public university list); UF is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and the heralded Southeastern Conference (SEC); It is the ‘flagship’ university in the state which is enjoying a significant demographic increase in population, attracting capital and corporations; and, it resides in a state that has an appealing personal and corporate tax environment that encourages corporate relocations.

The City of Gainesville

Gainesville (http://cityofgainesville.org) is home to one of the state’s centers of education, medicine, cultural events, and athletics. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Gainesville is also the largest city in Alachua County and is the county seat, with approximately 269,000 residents county-wide. It serves as the cultural, educational, and commercial center for the north central Florida region. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including cultural and nature services and necessary administrative services to support these activities. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban “forest,” Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida. The city is in a central location to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access within a day’s drive to beaches, nature preserves, and water-based activities. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Our Commitment

UFPD values providing spaces for collaboration and camaraderie where employees can show up for work at their best, feel supported and have a sense of connection through purposeful interactions. All department members are committed to the administration of law and order based on the constitutional idea of justice for all where every citizen will be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

This culture is supported by the University of Florida, an equal employment employer that is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a total rewards package that includes generous health insurance and retirement plans, life, dental, and robust leave, and wellbeing programs along with other perks and offerings.

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or
• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and the ability to learn modern law enforcement techniques and procedures
• Master of Business Administration
• Must have an acute awareness of appropriate confidentiality, discretion.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills that reflect the ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach
• Energy and enthusiasm for new ideas
• Ability to effect change through influence and collaboration
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards and transparency

Interested applicants must submit an online application with the following materials:

Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 26th at 11:59 pm. for consideration. Applications submitted after this date may be considered at the discretion of the hiring authority.