Santa Fe Hires New Police Chief

August 25, 2011

Ed Book, a well-regarded law enforcement veteran in the local community, has been selected as Santa Fe College's new police chief. He is scheduled to begin Oct. 3.

Book has served with the Gainesville Police Department for 26 years and was promoted to the rank of captain in 2006. He has extensive experience in many areas, including community policing, youth services, crime prevention and supervisory work. In addition, he has studied and written about the use of environmental design to prevent crime. His professional accomplishments include being named Executive of the Year by the Gainesville chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals in 2008.

Book has a master's degree in educational leadership and a bachelor of science degree in psychology, both from the University of Florida. He also is a proud graduate of Santa Fe's police academy at the Institute of Public Safety (IPS).

"Captain Book's leadership skills, breadth of police and community experience, and strong personal qualities make him an outstanding choice for Santa Fe College," said General Counsel Patti Locascio, who directed the search process as supervisor of the college's police department. "We are extremely fortunate to have attracted someone of his caliber."

Besides his knowledge of the local community, Book has a strong affiliation with Santa Fe. He has taught courses at the college's Institute of Public Safety and regularly plays racquetball on campus on Tuesday nights.

"He is excited about focusing on the needs of our college community as he enters the world of campus law enforcement," Locascio said.

Previously, Chief Daryl Johnston served in the position while also serving as director of the Institute of Public Safety. He will now concentrate his multi-faceted talents on leading the IPS.