University of Florida President Bernie Machen has just announced the formation of a new committee on campus to provide insight and perspective on “serious matters” involving the UF Police Department. This Ad Hoc UFPD Campus Advisory Committee is expected to advise the police chief on significant police matters affecting the police-campus community relationship. Some issues may include campus impacts coming from allegations of excessive force, violations of civil liberties or violations of law by police officers.
“Helping keep our campus safe requires a community effort,” said Machen. “The formation of this committee illustrates my committment to transparency and a desire to encourage open dialogue on complicated topics regarding public safety.”
Committee members will represent the student body, faculty, staff and police department. Police Chief Linda Stump will chair the committee which includes the Chair of the Faculty Senate, Scott Nygren, immediate past chair of the Faculty Senate, Mary Ann Ferguson, faculty member at-large, Cathleen Martyniak, President of the Student Government, Ben Meyers, Student Inter Residence Hall Association Representative, Severin Walstad, student at-large, Christina Bonarrigo, and administrative staff appointment, Harold Jackson.
All committee members will participate in a police ride-along each year and attend training on a variety of topics including the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights, community policing, behavioral threat assessment and UFPD’s internal affairs process and use of force standards. Meetings will be open to the public.