2013 Award for Innovations in Community Oriented Policing

The Santa Fe College Police Department, in Gainesville, FL

The Santa Fe College Police Department implemented the community policing “Safe Santa Fe” program in 2012. The "Safe Santa Fe" title is designed to ensure that all students, faculty, staff and visitors at the College are routinely and habitually thinking about safety, appropriately concerned about security and engaging in crime prevention practices that will reduce crime over the years to come. The program relies on effective multiple partnerships, innovative and cutting-edge crime prevention, as well as outstanding service. Safe Santa Fe is comprised of five key aspects, which include: branding and messaging, community policing partnerships, professional development, technology and hardware, and program expansion and flexibility.

Santa Fe College and the Santa Fe College Police Department take safety and security seriously. SF College was the first public Florida community college with a sworn police force. At 17 fully sworn members, 1 security officer, and full-time dispatchers, front desk and support personnel, the police department is responsible for a voluminous amount of duties related to the College amongst its 25 total personnel.

The Safe Santa Fe initiative will continue to be the flagship title of an array of community policing efforts designed to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Nominated by: Ed Book, Chief of Police, Santa Fe College Police Department