Staff Spotlight: John O’Ferrell
IT Systems Coordinator
Bio: John O’Ferrell serves as the Information Technology Systems Coordinator for the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD). He retired from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) in 2016 after 20 years of service, including eight years leading the planning, implementation and technical support of the department’s mobile computer project—equipping officers with advanced in-vehicle technology.
What is an identity you’re proud to share?
“I’m proud to be a bridge-builder in technology. Someone who translates complex IT systems into solutions that empower every member of the UFPD organizational team As an IT Systems Manager and Coordinator, I get to protect our data, keep operations running smoothly and make sure technology serves the support staff and police officers at UFPD, not the other way around. My role lets me combine technical depth with real human impact, and I proudly wear that ‘badge’ of identity.”
What does your role entail?
Following retirement, John worked as a Voice over IP (VoIP) systems engineer for a local technology firm. In 2018, UFPD recruited him to oversee the rollout of a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, records management system (RMS) and mobile reporting platform. John collaborates closely with UFIT and leadership throughout the university to support UFPD’s 24/7, 365-day operations. Leveraging his project management experience and technology integration skillsets, he keeps UFPD at the forefront of public safety systems, enhancing officer efficiency, situational awareness and community protection.
What is your favorite part about working at UF?
“As a former police officer, having innovative investigative tools available in the field allowed me to spend more time engaging with the community while improving officer safety. Now, as the IT Systems Coordinator, I can continue to provide emergent technologies that deliver critical information to UFPD officers before they arrive on a call for service. It is personally and professionally rewarding to support our officers with toold that help keep them—and the UF community—as safe as possible.”
Fun fact about you:
“Outside of work, the most important thing to me is spending time with my wife, Holly, as we explore new places throughout Florida. We both love warm weather and offshore fishing, so when we aren’t travelling on land, we’re often out fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Although I grew up in the small southwest Florida town of LaBelle, I never truly explored all the wonders Florida has to offer until now. We also enjoy frequent visits with our children and grandchildren, who bring us tremendous joy. Next year, Holly and I will expand our adventures outside of the United State as we travel to Greece.”