APD Named Florida’s Top Small Agency Crime Prevention Unit

ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Police Department’s commitment to proactive community engagement and public safety has earned it statewide recognition. The department’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) was awarded the 2025 Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA) Crime Prevention Unit of the Year in the Small Agency (100 or fewer officers) category.

The award was presented during the FCPA’s annual conference on Oct. 23, 2025, in Orlando, recognizing agencies that demonstrate outstanding innovation and dedication to public safety through prevention initiatives. Representatives from the Alachua Police Department were on hand to accept the honor, including Lt. Jason Moses, Lt. Daniel Chalker, Sgt. Thomas Stanfield, Chief Jesse Sandusky, and Lt. Carl Newsome.

“This recognition highlights our department’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and proactive crime prevention throughout the City of Alachua,” the department said in a statement announcing the award.

Under the leadership of Police Chief Sandusky and Sgt. Stanfield, the CPU has expanded its role in connecting residents with safety resources and educational programs designed to prevent crime before it happens.

Among its recent accomplishments:

• EZ Child ID Kits: The program provides parents with tools to create identification packets for their children, ensuring vital information is available in the event of an emergency.
• Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway: In collaboration with the department’s School Resource Officers, the CPU distributed 500 backpacks filled with supplies to local students, supporting families ahead of the new school year.
• radKIDS Safety Training: School Resource Officer A. Payne recently became certified to teach the radKIDS program, which empowers children with personal safety skills and confidence to make positive choices in potentially unsafe situations.
• Public Education Through Media: The department has embraced digital outreach to reach broader audiences. One of its educational videos, a Fourth of July 911 awareness message, drew more than 12 million views nationwide, significantly increasing awareness of emergency response protocols.

Sgt. Stanfield said the recognition reflects a team effort across the department. “While the CPU may be a one-person unit, this award truly belongs to the entire Alachua Police Department,” he said. “Without the support, teamwork, and dedication of every member of this agency, none of this would be possible.”

The Florida Crime Prevention Association serves as a statewide network supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce crime through education, partnerships, and prevention programs.

The Alachua Police Department expressed its gratitude to the FCPA for the honor and extended appreciation to the local community for continued trust and engagement.

“Community partnership is the foundation of effective policing,” the department stated. “This award reinforces our shared mission with Alachua residents — to build a safer, more informed, and connected community.”

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