The following message was sent to the campus community from Monica Moll, associate vice president of Ohio State's Department of Public Safety:
The start of a new academic year is full of possibilities, and we want all Buckeyes to have a safe and enjoyable fall semester.
Ohio State is a safe place, but college campuses are not immune to crime or active threats. Please take a moment to watch our Surviving an Active Aggressor video to learn the Run, Hide, Fight method. We also encourage everyone to watch and learn how to work the various classroom locks and what to do to enhance safety for you and your fellow Buckeyes.
Off-campus, we’ve expanded our joint patrol program to include four University Police officers who partner with four Columbus Division of Police officers. Together, they patrol in new vehicles, and on bikes, to add additional sworn police in the University District.
If reading emails and watching videos is not for you, consider listening to the most recent episode of the City of Ohio State podcast where we reviewed the many safety resources available at Ohio State.
The university launched an online Stay Safe, Buckeyes class available in BuckeyeLearn that covers topics such as crime prevention, how to report a crime, responding to people on the street who aggressively ask for money, self-defense, mental health and more. The videos can also be watched on YouTube.
Additional safety tips include
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Utilize transportation like CABS, CABS On-Demand or Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State.
- Use Rave Guardian to allow friends or family to track your location as a virtual guardian.
- Always lock doors and windows at home.
- Utilize free safety devices, including window and door alarms, available in the Ohio Union.
- Do not let unknown people into residence halls; make everyone swipe in to gain access.
- Do not leave valuables, keys or key fobs in your vehicle.
- Report suspicious activity, missing or stolen items to police.
Add our number to your contacts. On campus, call The Ohio State University Police Division at 614-292-2121. Off-campus, make reports to local law enforcement such as the Columbus Police (614-645-4545). Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies. Find more safety resources online.
You can follow @OSUPOLICE on Instagram and Twitter. We are here to help so please approach our police or security if you see them on campus to ask questions or seek assistance.