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About UFPD

Mission Statement

The Mission of the UF Police Department is to preserve a safe campus environment providing responsive, proactive, and educational policing through collaborative community engagement.

Vision

The vision of the UF Police Department is to be the premier model of campus law enforcement by instilling trust through professional community-based policing.

GOALS

Toward the attainment of this vision, the University of Florida Police Department sets as its goals:

I. The recruitment, selection, training, and fitness of competent police officers.
II. The efficient and effective deployment of law enforcement personnel and services.
III. The development, implementation, and deployment of specialized services and community based programming.

By accomplishing these goals, we are confident we can meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of the community as they relate to police services.

Values

Justice

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.

Trust

All department members will conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the university community by exercising wisdom, compassion, and commitment to honesty and justice.

Service

As members of a law enforcement agency, we recognize that we are servants of the public. As such, we are duty-bound to the highest level of community service in the protection of life and property.

Professionalism

All department members will display attitudes, actions, and behaviors that result in serving the highest interests of the campus community above their own.

Integrity

All department members are expected to espouse the highest moral standards, always conducting themselves in a manner that is fair, ethical, legal, and that portrays a sense of duty and honor.

HISTORY of UFPD

The University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) was established in 1951 within the Grounds Department under the Physical Plant Division. Joe Crevasse served as the first chief, and early officers were deputized by Alachua County Sheriff Frank M. Sexton to provide full law enforcement authority. In 1955, the Florida Legislature granted UFPD independent authority, giving its officers the same powers as other municipal and county law enforcement agencies. That same year, Crevasse departed to become Sheriff of Alachua County, and Auldie Shuler was appointed chief. In 1957, the department moved to its current location at the former WRUF radio station building.

In 1972, state legislation formally designated university police officers as State of Florida law enforcement officers and established standardized training requirements through state-certified police academies.

Following Chief Shuler’s retirement in 1986 after 31 years of service, Everett H. Stevens became chief. During his tenure, UFPD faced one of its most significant challenges during the 1990 student murders in Gainesville. Although the crimes occurred off campus, the department activated its emergency operations plan and committed extensive resources to protect the university community, earning recognition for its preparedness and response.

In 2003, Chief Stevens retired and Linda J. Stump-Kurnick was appointed chief. Under her leadership, UFPD modernized its operations through advancements in technology, including mobile data systems, in-car and body-worn cameras, less-lethal tools, and digital policy management. She also guided the department through major events, large-scale protests, and severe weather incidents. A defining accomplishment of her tenure was the development and completion of UFPD’s state-of-the-art public safety facility and training complex, positioning the department for continued success into the future. In 2025, Chief Linda J. Stump-Kurnick retired following a distinguished tenure. Following a nationwide search, Bart Knowles was selected to lead the department, promoting from within the agency’s ranks.

Chief Knowles brings more than 37 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to joining UFPD, he served with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and later retired as a Captain with the Gainesville Police Department. He has 16 years of service with UFPD, where he progressed through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Deputy Chief, providing him with extensive institutional knowledge and leadership experience. His selection reflects a commitment to continuity, innovation, and the continued advancement of campus safety.

Jurisdiction

UFPD is a fully accredited state law enforcement agency with primary jurisdiction on all properties owned or controlled by the University of Florida. This includes:

  • The main UF campus in Gainesville
  • UF satellite properties and buildings in Alachua County
  • Other UF-affiliated properties across the state (in coordination with local agencies)

UFPD officers have full law enforcement authority under Florida law (F.S. 1012.97 and F.S. 316.640), including the power to:

  • Enforce state laws and university regulations
  • Make arrests
  • Conduct investigations
  • Patrol on foot, bike, or vehicle

While UFPD focuses on UF properties, officers may also respond to emergencies or coordinate with local agencies (e.g., Gainesville Police Department or Alachua County Sheriff’s Office) when assistance is needed near campus or in shared jurisdictions.