The University of Florida Police Department, located at the intersection of Museum Road and Newell Drive, provides service to the university community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The police department is an integral part of the university’s dedication to developing and maintaining a safe and secure campus environment through the cooperative efforts of many university departments and community organizations.

An important part of the complete success of the police department includes the part-time officers that provide the same quality service to the university community as full-time officers. In 1988, our department initiated the Reserve Officer Program to afford interested individuals an opportunity to participate in campus law enforcement operations. Reserve officers assist full-time officers with crowd and traffic control, work details at campus special events, and assist full-time officers in their regular patrol duties. The police department is dedicated to providing our Reserve Officers with professional training and practical law enforcement experience.

All Reserve Officer applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for consideration in this elite Reserve Officer program. You must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 19 years of age, and possess a valid driver’s license maintaining a good driving record. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must have completed the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements necessary for officer certification. Reserve Officer applicants are strongly recommended to have close ties to the University and its community. All applicants are subject to pass a background investigation, an oral review, a voice stress analysis test, a drug screen, and a medical examination.

All Reserve Officers receive hands-on training by attending a highly structured training program designed to provide the officer with practical experience in the working environment. Reserve Officers also receive required quality training in human diversity, domestic violence issues, medical first responder, community services, high-risk driving, firearms, and defensive tactics. Reserve Officers with the University Police Department receive high-quality training and education regarding various aspects of the criminal justice system. A large percentage of Reserve Officers have transitioned into a full-time position after gaining experience in the reserve program.

If you are interested in gaining experience in a part-time capacity at a state and nationally accredited law enforcement agency, contact Lt. Scott Summers (ssummers@ufl.edu) with the University of Florida Police Department by calling (352)273-3314. You can also write or stop by the University of Florida Police Department located at Building 51, Museum Road, PO Box 112150, Gainesville, FL., 32611-2150.