Police Services
Communications Center
Under the supervision of the Communications Lieutenant, the Police Communications Center; commonly referred to as the CommCenter, is responsible for maintaining around-the-clock effective and efficient communications between the UPD, the public, police officers in the field and other public-safety agencies by receiving, dispatching and recording calls for general police and emergency services quickly and accurately.
The UPD’s CommCenter is staffed by professional, highly skilled non-sworn employees who are committed to the department’s philosophy of being “Focused on Quality”. The UPD employs six Police Communications Officers (PCO) and a Police Communications Sergeant, who is responsible for the normal day-to-day operations of the CommCenter.
While the UPD’s CommCenter has multiple functions; there are two primary services routinely provided. The first is Call Taking. When a telephone call is received by the CommCenter either on a 9-1-1 line or non-emergency line; the PCO collects, evaluates, prioritizes and enters the information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The next function is Dispatching. The call for service information entered into the CAD system is relayed by the PCO to police officers, or fire and rescue personnel who will respond to the scene.
Police Communications Officers typically receive information and complaints from a wide range of electronic communications equipment, i.e., radios, video displays, telephones and alarm annunciators. Police Communications Officers also take information first-hand over the counter from citizens. The PCO position requires individuals be able to identify locations where assistance is needed, make rapid determinations as to the availability and proximity of the nearest emergency personnel and equipment, and then dispatch and coordinate any communications as necessary.
Police Communications Officers must be able to deal courteously and efficiently with the general public, other entities of the University and other law enforcement agencies in relaying information essential to the safe and proper functioning of the UPD. The PCO is frequently the first and last point-of-contact for the public when seeking information about the University or requesting assistance from the UPD.
Office Manager
As the primary budget officer for the department, the Office Manager ensures department level accounting procedures are completed in a way that complies with University’s accounting policies and Florida law. The Officer Manager is responsible for the timely submittal of payroll requests and resolution of all pay problems. Additionally the Officer Manager acquires all goods and services for the department and ensures ample supplies of all types are maintained and dispersed in compliance with applicable property control policies.
Records Unit
The University Police Department’s (UPD) Records personnel manage the daily influx, of police reports and paperwork generated by patrol officers, communications officers and detectives. The UPD Records Unit also coordinates with the Special Operations Division Lieutenant and the Office Manager to gather employee background records as appropriate.
Reports filed at the Department become part of the Records Management System (RMS). Every business day, dozens of reports are sent to the various University entities; other law enforcement agencies and the State’s Attorney’s Office for review. Statistics from the RMS are sent to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Education’s Board of Governors and the University President for inclusion in the State and Federal crime statistics and Clery Act statistics.
All requests for copies of police reports and records checks shall be received by this unit. The Records Unit is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Police reports are generally not available until after 72 hours from the date of the reported incident. Personal checks, money orders, and exact amount of cash are all acceptable forms of payment provided proper identification is offered. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. All requests for police statistics can also be made through this unit. Please allow at least 24 hours for the requested information; requests can be made by phone, email, or in person. There is no service charge for general statistical information. Any services requiring prolonged research or extensive data compilation may incur additional charges as provided by Florida law.
Effective immediately and until further notice, the University of North Florida Police Department will not be offering fingerprinting services to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Fee Schedule for services provided by the Records Unit:
Copies of Police Reports: 15¢ per page, 20¢ for two-sided pages.
Fingerprinting: $5.00 per fingerprint card for students, faculty, staff and alumni. $10.00 per fingerprint card for all others.