Veteran officer tapped to lead UF Police Department

After a months-long nationwide search, the University of Florida has named Bart Knowles the Chief of the UF Police Department, effective immediately.

“Chief Knowles will lead our police department with integrity and a vision for the future of this great university and his department’s place in it,” Brandi Renton, Interim Vice President for Business Affairs said. “He is eminently qualified to lead UF in the crucial work of protecting our community.”

Knowles began his law enforcement career as a Hernando County sheriff’s deputy in 1988 and transferred to the Gainesville Police Department in 1991. At GPD, he served in various areas, including Uniform Patrol, Special Operations, Narcotics/Vice, State Attorney’s Task Force, DEA Task Force, and Human Resources. He also served as GPD’s Rifle Team Commander and SWAT Commander.
 

Following his retirement from GPD, Knowles accepted a position with the UF Police Department in 2010. He oversaw the Uniform Patrol Division, Investigations, Community Services, Communications, Special Events, and Administrative Services before becoming Interim Chief in June after Linda Stump-Kurnick, formerly the chief for over 20 years, moved entirely to her AVP role. 

“I am honored to serve as chief of our department filled with dedicated officers,” Knowles said. “We will embody the qualities of excellence as we protect and serve the Gator Nation.”