As students return for a new academic year, The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) Chief Dennis Jeffrey shares how his team works to keep the Buckeye community safe. Ohio State offers many safety resources, such as Lyft Ride Smart discounts, free safety devices and more.
Tagged: Safety
OSUPD Chief Dennis Jeffrey Featured on City of Ohio State Podcast
In the News: License Plate Readers Monitor Vehicles on Campus
Satoru Persons, director of Communications and Security Technology at The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety, was featured in EdTech discussing the importance of license plate readers on campus.
"The LPR technology is integrated and connected with the National Crime Information Center. If we get a confirmation of a license place that is registered or on notice with NCIC, we get notified. That tells us that there may be a reaon for us to stop that vehicle," Persons said.
Buckeye Alert System Test
A Buckeye Alert system test will occur September 4. Students, faculty and staff on all Ohio State campuses will receive a text message that will be clearly identified as a test.
Avoiding Scams
<none>|August 15, 2025Scams can happen at any time and to anyone. Take extra precautions and be leery of phone calls, emails or other communications that seem strange.
Be sure to follow these tips to avoid common scams.
Behind the Badge: Officer Thomas Schneider
How long have you been with OSUPD? How long have you been part of the Joint Patrol Program?
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) gathered for a memorial service to honor those who have served and to rededicate the garden in front of Blankenship Hall to OSUPD Officer Michael Blankenship, who was killed in the line of duty in1997.
“We’re proud to remember Officer Michael Blankenship and all those who lost their lives in service,” said OSUPD Chief Dennis Jeffrey. “We want to make sure we continue to honor them and show our respect for all they sacrificed for our community.”
In the News: A Night with Buckeye Block Watch
As highlighted by Lantern TV, Buckeye Block Watch promotes a safe and welcoming community in the University District. Patrols act as eyes and ears for safety concerns, offering resources and information while reporting suspicious activity.
Buckeye Block Watch patrols in the University District neighborhood each night from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Patrols are on foot, on bikes and in a Buckeye Block Watch vehicle. They are not sworn law enforcement officers, and do have arrest powers or carry firearms.
New Law Makes Package Theft a Felony in Ohio
A new law has taken effect classifying stealing packages as a felony of the fifth degree. Ohio Revised Code 2913.021 means harsher penalties for offenders who steal mail, packages, or other deliveries from porches, mailrooms, or loading docks.
Behind the Badge: Officer Nana Amoako
Name? Rank?
Nana Amoako, Patrol Officer
How long have you been with OSUPD?
I have been with OSUPD since December 2020.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
OSUPD Cruise Light Pilot Program to Increase Campus Patrol Visibility
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) is launching a new pilot program to use cruise lights while on nighttime patrol on the Columbus campus.
These newly installed cruise lights sit along the rear driver-side and passenger-side windows of the police vehicle. Rather than flashing, they are steady, low-intensity lights that are used to increase the visibility of police vehicles.