Name? Rank?
James Bass. Police Officer.
How long have you been with OSUPD?
I’ve been with the Ohio State University Police Division for a year and a half. Before working for the Police Division, I worked as a Security Officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for two years.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I’m from Columbus, which I’ve always thought of as a “small” big city. It has the opportunities and challenges of a major urban area, but still feels connected and community-oriented. Growing up here gave me an understanding of how different neighborhoods, backgrounds, and experiences intersect every day. That perspective carries over into policing at Ohio State, which sits right in the middle of the city. Having grown up here helps me approach policing with awareness and respect for the ways the University community and the City intersect every day.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
I’ve always been drawn to service-oriented work and careers that allow me to make a direct, positive impact. Policing at Ohio State stood out because it combines traditional law enforcement with education and many opportunities for community engagement. The opportunity to serve a diverse campus community while helping people during critical moments is something I appreciate the opportunity to do.
What’s unique about policing at Ohio State?
Policing at Ohio State is unique because we serve students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors from (literally) all over the world. In service to the University is the level of technology available to support public safety. From an extensive surveillance camera system and ID badge access controls to specialized databases, we have tools that allow us to respond quickly and efficiently to calls for service, piece together timelines for incidents, and quickly identify suspects. While this technology helps us solve crimes, it also allows us to be proactive in preventing them. When combined with good police work and strong partnerships across campus, these tools make a real difference in keeping the community safe.
Why do you serve?
I serve because I understand how much trust matters in this profession. As a Black man in this profession, I’m aware that my presence can shape how people feel about law enforcement, sometimes positively and sometimes with hesitation. That responsibility isn’t lost on me. It motivates me to lead with professionalism and fairness in every interaction. I see my role as an opportunity to bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and show that policing can be rooted in respect and accountability. Serving at Ohio State allows me to be visible, approachable, and intentional about doing the job the right way for everyone I encounter.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, whether that’s trying new restaurants around Columbus or just relaxing at home with our pets. I also stay active with weight training and I’m working on getting back into playing music. At home, we have six animals—three dogs and three cats—who definitely drive us crazy at times but are also an incredible support system. Spending time with them is also a great way to decompress after work.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Buckeye?
My favorite thing about being a Buckeye is the sense of pride and the pursuit of excellence that comes with it. That mindset is reflected not only in academics and athletics, but also in the training and standards we’re held to as officers. Our ongoing training emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement; pushing us to be better for the community we serve. Being a Buckeye means never settling, always learning, and striving to represent Ohio State with excellence and integrity in everything we do.