The Lantern reports on a ride-along with OSUPD for a campus patrol, getting a firsthand look at what it's like to keep campus safe and engage with the community.
Tagged: Safety
In the News: Ride-Along with OSU Police Reveals Life Behind Campus Patrol
Behind the Badge: Lieutenant Chuck Gierach
Name? Rank?
Chuck Gierach, Lieutenant
How long have you been with OSUPD?
20 years
You were just named Supervisor of the Year. What does this award mean to you?
Since I was nominated by my co-workers, it means a lot. Effective law enforcement work requires good teamwork and I couldn’t do my job well if I didn’t have a good team to work with.
OSUPD Honors Fallen Officers During Memorial Ceremony
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) honored fallen peace officers and remembered the life and sacrifice of OSUPD Officer Michael Blankenship during a Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony on May 13, 2026.
“This week is truly about thanking not only our OSUPD officers, but also law enforcement nationwide for their sacrifice, commitment and dedication to keep their communities safe,” said OSUPD Chief Dennis Jeffrey.
Buckeye Alert System Test
A Buckeye Alert system test will occur May 12. Students, faculty and staff on all Ohio State campuses will receive a text message that will be clearly identified as a test.
In the News: RapidSOS Assists in Police Response
As featured by 10TV News, OSUPD officers had the teenage suspect in custody within minutes of a fatal stabbing.
"As we get notification on RapidSOS of the location of the 911 call, we, in turn, if we have any video in the surrounding area, we’ll start bringing up that information,” said Satoru Persons, director of communications security technology.
OSUPD Hosts Empowerment and Self-Defense Training
The Ohio State University Police Division’s (OSUPD) free Empowerment and Self-Defense Training is taught by certified instructors. Hosted at the Gateway Substation, this three-hour course begins with awareness education, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training.
OSUPD Annual Awards
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) recognized outstanding service and dedication during its 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony on April 1, 2026, honoring officers, staff and a community member for their contributions to campus safety.
Register for Empowerment and Self-Defense Training
Register for OSUPD’s free Empowerment and Self-Defense Training. Taught by certified instructors, this comprehensive, one-day course begins with awareness education, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training.
The spring 2026 class will be held on April 8 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Gateway Substation.
Learn more about the training and register online
Spring Break Safety Tips
This spring break, soak up the sun, not the stress, and keep your personal safety shining bright. If you’re celebrating, please do so responsibly and be respectful of those around you.
If you’re traveling, make safety a priority. The following tips can help protect your home and your belongings while you’re away:
Classroom Locks
Finding yourself in an active aggressor situation can cause extreme panic and disorientation. But if you know what to do ahead of time, your chances of surviving this type of emergency situation are greatly increased. This video describes the three types of classroom door locks across campus and how to use them. Watch the whole Surviving an Active Aggressor video online.