Who We Are
The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD), in partnership with the university community, is dedicated to keeping the USF Tampa campus safe. The USFPD is a full-service law enforcement agency, accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). We are honored to be accredited for 23 years achieving the distinctive Excelsior accreditation status for the last five consecutive years.
What We Do
Chief Chris Daniel, who has been with the USFPD for 34 years, understands the unique university environment and special types of service animals critical to keeping our campus and community safe. The department currently has two narcotics-detection dogs, two explosive-detection dogs, and one mental-health therapy dog. Throughout his tenure, Chief Daniel has consistently encouraged innovation from his staff and ensured police operations align with the transforming demographics as USF continues to grow.
The Impact
Over the past four years, the USFPD’s K9 Unit has become a staple of excellence, through a highly efficient training program geared towards streamlining success. The K9 Unit has been called into service 794 times, with 153 of those by other local agencies such as Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police Department, Temple Terrace Police Department, United States Air Force, Tampa International Airport Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. More than 47 pounds of narcotics have been seized through the diligent work of the K9 teams. Answering the call has become the signature for this unit, which has established a certifiable reputation for the USFPD.
Special deployments: The department's K9 has collaborated with local partners to safeguard the NFL Superbowl LV 2021, the NHL Stanley Cup Final in 2020 and 2021 and the MacDill Airfest. In pairs, each handler with their K9, has garnered distinguished awards. Adapting to the times and areas of concentration, USFPD's K9 Bailey has become an industry leader, and the most recognized source in South Florida for crisis intervention as a therapy animal for police incidents and “destresser events” for the USF community.
What Your Generosity Will Do
Proven by its many successes, the USFPD takes this program very seriously. Caring for these K9s is a 24/7 operation. Your support of this project will help ensure these beloved animals receive quality care to maintain their health, training, housing and equipment - all vital to this work serving USF Tampa and the surrounding community. On the horizon, the USFPD K9 Unit wishes to take their training to the national level, to improve and hone their skills and earn even more honors with pride and prestige as USF.
USF Faculty and Staff: You can give online through this site or complete this payroll deduction form (enter fund #520034, USF Police Canine Program) and email it to fscampaign@usf.edu.
Thank you for helping us get this program to where it is today. Join us to consistently achieve excellence.
Spread the Word
We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of this page.
Need help with your post? Try this message:
This Giving Week, join me in supporting our USF Tampa Police K9 program at usf.to/policek9. Your gift, no matter the size, brings a smile to our K9 face! Thank you and #GoBulls! 🤘
Latest Updates
Choose a giving level
$30
Patron
Your gift of $30 will provide food for our furry friends for one week.
$40
Corporal
Your gift of $40 will help with everyday needs of the dog and its handler.
$55
Sergeant
Your gift of $55 will help us increase insurance coverage for the dog on campus and in the handler's home.
$90
Lieutenant
Your gift of $90 will help provide a kennel and other necessary items at the handler's home.
$120
Captain
Your gift of $120 will help offset some of the costs associated with increased record-keeping by the dog's handler.
$600
Chief
Your gift of $600 will help provide gear and supplies for the handler and their canine.
$1,200
Ambassador
Your gift of $1,200 will help the USFPD when the canine unit is deployed, as only a few officers are trained handlers.
$
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