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Gators on Patrol

The University of Florida Police Department is proud to highlight Gators on Patrol. UFPD employees who once walked the same campus as students at the University of Florida and now serve and protect it.

This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in our own community. Many of our officers began their journey at UF,  earning degrees, participating in campus life, and building connections before choosing a career in public service at UFPD. Their firsthand understanding of the student experience strengthens their ability to serve with empathy, professionalism, and purpose. Through student internships and campus engagement programs, UFPD provides meaningful opportunities for students to gain practical experience in public safety. These experiences help bridge classroom learning with real-world application, preparing graduates for successful careers in law enforcement and beyond.

We are proud to retain talented Gators who return to serve the very campus that shaped them. Once a Gator, always a Gator, and sometimes, a Gator on Patrol.

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Major Kristy Maculan – BA Criminology 2006

Major Maculan began her path of service by joining UFPD. Over her 19-year career, she has served in numerous roles and currently serves as UFPD’s Major of Operations, overseeing the Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Special Events, and Communications Divisions. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Major Maculan remains actively engaged as a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, the International Co-Responder Alliance, and the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, while also staying connected to her collegiate roots through her sorority’s alumnae chapter.
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Captain Jake Pruitt – BA Criminology 2002

Captain Jake Pruitt began his service to the University of Florida while in college, working as a SNAP driver when the program operated under UFPD. After graduating from UF, he joined the department as a law enforcement officer. He has served in multiple roles throughout his career and now oversees the Patrol Division—the largest division within UFPD.
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Captain Trever Henderson – BA Criminology 2003

Captain Henderson began his law enforcement career with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, serving 11 years. Remaining connected to the Gator Nation, he returned to Gainesville to join UFPD, where he has risen through the ranks and now serves as Captain over Support Services. During his tenure, he completed the FBI National Academy (Session 288) and serves on several Florida Chapter committees.

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Lieutenant Scott Silver – MS 2020, MBA 2022

Lieutenant Silver, a New York native, earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego in 2011 and completed an MS in Management (2020) and an MBA (2022) at the University of Florida. He has served with UFPD since 2012 and is currently the Special Operations Lieutenant, overseeing sports and special event security and UFPD special teams; he is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer Course.
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Officer Claudia Espinosa – BS Public Relations 2019

After graduating from UF, Claudia began her law enforcement career with UFPD in 2019. Claudia’s passion for the University inspired her to dedicate her law enforcement career to protecting and serving the Gator Nation. In her current role as a patrol officer, Claudia is an active member of the Co-Responder Team and the Bike Unit. She also serves as a Field Training Officer, mentoring, guiding, and encouraging new officers entering the profession. Claudia is committed to professional growth, building strong community relationships, and continuing to support the mission and values of UFPD.

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Victim Advocate Jayla Hostick – BA Criminology 2025

After graduating from the University of Florida, Jayla Hostick began her career with the University of Florida Police Department, where she serves as a Victim Advocate in the Office of Victim Services, providing trauma-informed support and resources to individuals in crisis. Jayla remains closely connected to the Gator Nation through both her professional role and continued academic pursuits, currently working toward a master’s degree. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to advocacy, service, and strengthening the university community that helped shape her personal and professional development.
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Officer Stephen Peters – BFA 2020

Officer Peters has spent most of his life in Gainesville, Florida. A graduate of Howard Bishop Middle School, Gainesville High School, and the University of Florida (2020), he is proud to serve the community, which he has spent a great deal of time with. When he’s not on patrol, he enjoys going to the gym, playing video games, and rooting for his Philadelphia Eagles. Go Gators!