City of Gainesville is focused on student safety around UF campus
Published on March 19, 2025
The City of Gainesville has rolled out a series of recent initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtown and areas adjacent to the University of Florida campus. The Downtown Ambassador Program offers a visible, friendly presence in key areas, while the Downtown Events Grant Program brings more community-centered activities to the heart of the city.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a dynamic and welcoming environment where students can feel safe, connected and comfortable within the Gainesville community.
What is being done right now to prioritize student safety?
Active Law Enforcement Presence:
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) maintains a consistent police presence with patrol officers assigned to areas around the University of Florida campus, downtown and midtown. Officers work in close coordination with the University of Florida Police Department to ensure swift responses to incidents affecting student safety.
Strategic Safety Initiatives:
The City of Gainesville has expanded lighting and surveillance in key areas to deter crime and improve visibility at night. The city also has introduced a Downtown Ambassador Program to enhance daytime and nighttime safety by entering into a three-year, $3.1 million contract with the nation’s leading ambassador service provider. To request a safety escort from the Downtown Ambassadors, call (352) 710-6406. The Downtown Ambassadors are available seven days/week and operate in the following areas adjacent to campus:
- The Downtown Gainesville Service Area, a “T-shaped” area split into two zones by Main Street, encompasses an area roughly bordered by 2nd Avenue to the north and Depot Avenue to the south. Western borders are 6th and SW 3rd Streets, connected by SW 4th Avenue; Eastern borders are SE 3rd and SE 7th Streets, connected by SE 4th Avenue.
- The West University Corridor Service Area is a stretch of University Avenue bordered by SW 13th Street to the west, SW 2nd Place to the South and adjacent to the westernmost border of the Downtown Gainesville Service Area along SW 6th Street.
What is being done to reach people experiencing homelessness near campus and downtown?
Gainesville is actively working with social service organizations, shelters and mental health professionals to provide assistance to those experiencing homelessness while maintaining a safe and orderly public environment. The city enforces the requirements of Section 125.0231, Florida Statutes (previously House Bill 1365) which prevents overnight camping and sleeping on public right of way, public property and public parks.
How can students or other neighbors report safety concerns?
Community Engagement and Reporting Mechanisms:
Students are encouraged to use GPD emergency resources, including direct text and app-based reporting systems. The GPD app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play by searching “Gainesville Police.” Students also are encouraged to report tips by calling 352-372-STOP; visiting the Crime Stoppers website; using the P3Tips app on an Apple or Android smartphone; or calling the Gainesville Police Department directly at (352) 393-7500. In case of emergency, always call 911. The city also has added a public encampment reporting option to the myGNV assistance app. myGNV is available online at www.mygnv.com or the app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.
How much is the city investing in public safety?
Public Safety Investments:
In Fiscal Year 2025, the City of Gainesville allocated $46.4 million to funding the Gainesville Police Department. The city’s total allocation for public safety in Fiscal Year 2025 is $77.5 million, making up 50% of the General Fund Budget. GPD is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and invests heavily in recruitment, training and community policing and co-responder programs designed to address safety issues near the university.
City leaders are taking a comprehensive and aggressive approach to public safety. As one of the University of Florida’s community partners, Gainesville recognizes the importance of providing a secure environment where students can focus on their educational and personal growth. These efforts will continue to evolve, and the city will remain dedicated to transparency, action and accountability in making Gainesville a safe place for everyone.
The City of Gainesville and the Gainesville Police Department encourage students, families and neighbors to subscribe to city news and public safety updates. By reporting concerns, all can work together to keep Gainesville a secure and welcoming community.