General Info

The mission of the Gainesville Police Department is to provide competent and courteous service to all citizens of Gainesville, Fla., in their homes and places of business while working toward establishing a community characterized by both physical safety and personal freedom. In 1869, the first town marshal, P. Shemwell, was elected, with 56 of the 93 votes polled. In 1919, the title of marshal was changed to chief of police, but the department consisted of one man. The department s jurisdiction is divided into three geographical districts. The Gainesville Police Department is comprised of the following divisions: personnel, public information, support service, training, professional standards, fiscal, internal affairs, special programs, analysis and technical services.