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.
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.
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?
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.
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) celebrated excellence in law enforcement at its 2024 Annual Award Ceremony on February 13, 2025.
Name? Rank?
Paul Swan, Officer and Sniper Team Leader.
How long have you been with OSUPD?
Four years.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I was born in Columbus, raised in Zanesville, and attended College in Holland, MI. I credit my college and the good people who surrounded me for the development of the person I am today.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
Safety is top-of-mind, and the university wants to remind all Buckeyes about the tools and resources available to enhance your safety as we begin spring semester.
While campus is a safe place, Columbus is large city and crimes do occur. Safety is a shared responsibility as students learn to live on their own in an urban area and safely navigate a growing, metropolitan city. Learning to utilize the below tools will enhance your safety now and after graduation and is an important part of the college experience.
A Buckeye Alert system test will occur January 24. Students, faculty and staff on all Ohio State campuses will receive a text message that will be clearly identified as a test.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced this week that 28 colleges and universities in Ohio will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff. The Ohio State University will receive $257,000.
Safety is the university’s top priority and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), CampusParc, Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM) and the Department of Public Safety work together to offer services during the winter months to keep you safe. As snow and ice start to collect, FOD teams are dispatched to treat campus roadways and sidewalks. They remain on campus throughout the day and night treating and plowing as needed. CampusParc crews will also be on campus treating parking lots and garages, with garage rooftops remaining open, when possible.