Leadership Team
Dr. Robin Griffin-Kitzerow
Associate Vice President of Public Safety & Chief of Police
Bio
With over three decades of experience, Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow brings a powerful combination of law enforcement leadership and psychological insight into her new role.
She recently earned her doctoral degree in forensic psychology, adding to an already impressive academic portfolio that includes three master’s degrees — in psychology, public administration, and forensic psychology — as well as a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.
Before joining UCF, Chief Griffin-Kitzerow served as deputy chief at Florida Atlantic University and spent two decades in leadership with the Palm Beach County School District, where she developed a proactive strategy to identify and manage potential threats before they could escalate. She later used this same strategy to support and enhance UCF’s already robust Threat Management Team when she joined the agency as deputy chief in 2022.
Her leadership extends beyond campus. She was recently elected president of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association and serves on the boards of Central Florida Cares and the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange.
She makes history as UCF’s first-ever “Dr. Chief” — a title that reflects not only her academic excellence but also her unwavering dedication to service, safety, and the next generation of public safety leaders.
Scott Freeman
Deputy Chief of Police
Bio
Scott Freeman is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 20 years of dedicated service at the University of Central Florida Police Department (UCFPD), including a decade in specialized investigative units. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police, overseeing all operations within both the Administration and Operations Bureaus.
Freeman began his career at UCFPD in 2005 as a civilian community service officer. After being sponsored by the department to attend the police academy, he was sworn in as an officer upon graduation. His career has been marked by steady advancement through the ranks — from patrol officer to deputy chief — with notable assignments including four years on the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation Task Force.
Throughout his tenure, Freeman has played a pivotal role in enhancing the department’s capabilities. He served as the agency’s Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator and was instrumental in establishing UCFPD’s Special Response Team, a unit trained for high-risk rescue operations during mass casualty incidents.
Most recently, Freeman held the position of Major over the Operations Bureau, where he managed police operations for the main and regional patrol divisions, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the Community Outreach Unit.
His professional development includes completion of prestigious leadership programs through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Police Chiefs Association. He is also a graduate of the esteemed 285th session of the FBI National Academy — an honor reserved for the top 1% of law enforcement professionals nationwide, and a distinction held by only one other UCFPD officer.
A proud UCF alumnus, Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in police leadership. He recently earned a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia.
Outside of work, Freeman is a devoted husband and father of two future Knights. He enjoys yard work and is an avid baseball fan.
Derrick Stockdreher
Law Enforcement Major
Bio
Derrick Stockdreher is a law enforcement leader with over 28 years of service at the UCF Police Department. In his current role as Major over the Administrative Bureau, he oversees special events, support services, and procurement.
After starting as a patrol officer, Stockdreher rose through the ranks as a leader while fostering a team atmosphere to achieve the goals of and progress UCFPD. With a deep knowledge of the university community, he has extensive experience managing people, building partnerships and multitasking to support the needs of the agency and university.
A two-time UCF alum, he has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in criminal justice, with a graduate certificate in police leadership. He also is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers Development Course.
Stockdreher is a dedicated husband and dog parent. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, live music and outdoor activities.
James Mangan
Law Enforcement Major
Bio
James Mangan is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 24 years of experience at the University of Central Florida Police Department (UCFPD). In his current role as Major of the Operations Bureau, he oversees police operations across the main and regional campus patrol divisions, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the Community Outreach Unit.
James began his career as a patrol officer in 2001 and steadily rose through the ranks. As Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, he led the creation of the agency’s Threat Management Program. Later, while serving as Commander of the regional patrol division at UCF Downtown, he built key partnerships within the Parramore community. He also spearheaded the development of UCFPD’s Critical Stress Management and Peer-to-Peer Support Teams, initiatives designed to support the mental health and well-being of officers and civilian staff.
His dedication has earned him multiple honors, including two UCFPD Lifesaving Awards, CIT Officer of the Year, and MADD Officer of the Year. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers Development Course and was part of UCF’s Leadership Enhancement Program (2021–2022 cohort).
A lifelong Knight, James holds two bachelor’s degrees from UCF—one in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice, and another in Criminal Justice. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Outside of work, James is a devoted husband and father of two. A proud UCF Athletics season ticket holder, he can often be found cheering on his Knights.