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 residents and students can feel safe, connected and comfortable with the Gainesville community.
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.
The City of Gainesville has expanded lighting and surveillance in key areas to deter crime and improve visibility at night. In January 2023, the Gainesville City Commission adopted new guidelines for sidewalk lights—specifically addressing where they should go, what brightness level to set, and how to place them uniformly to improve safety along sidewalks and alleyways. The update means that new projects with areas used by pedestrians and bicyclists will have to meet Florida Department of Transportation lighting standards.
The Downtown Ambassador Program enhances daytime and nighttime safety through a three-year, $3.1 million contract with the nation’s leading ambassador service provider. To request a safety escort from the Downtown Ambassadors in Gainesville, call 352-710-6406. Downtown Ambassadors are available seven days a week and operate in the following areas shown on the map below.
Gainesville actively works 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 House Bill 1365 which prevents overnight camping and sleeping on public right-of-way, public property and public parks.
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.”
In FY2025, the City of Gainesville allocated $46.4 million to funding the Gainesville Police Department. The city’s total allocation for public safety in FY2025 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 education 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, we all can work together to keep Gainesville a secure and welcoming community.