GatorSafe app named outstanding crime prevention program of the year

Every year, law enforcement agencies across the country work to create new crime prevention programs or revamp existing programs to ensure the safety of their respective communities. This year, the University of Florida Police Department was recognized by the Florida Crime Prevention Association with the Outstanding Crime Prevention Program of the Year award for revamping the GatorSafe app.

In November 2023, UFPD and the Department of Emergency Management revamped the GatorSafe app to make students, faculty, and staff safer on our campus. From talking directly to a police dispatcher to accessing transporation information, GatorSafe users can access a wealth of safety resources from their fingertips that help improve their safety and security.

“I am so proud of the work that UFPD and Emergency Management have done on the GatorSafe app to make our campus community even safer,” said Interim UFPD Chief Bart Knowles. “This work and the resulting award are more examples of how UF prioritizes the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.”

One of the app’s biggest features is the “Operation ID” form, which allows users to register property with descriptions and serial numbers so that should it be stolen, all pertinent law enforcement information is easily retrievable through the app. With over 71,000 subscribers, the GatorSafe app is vital to UFPD’s goal of maintaining a safe and welcoming community at the UF campus and this award is a testament to the hard work being done to ensure that goal is achieved.