Leadership and police from The Ohio State University joined members of the Columbus Division of Police today to address crime trends in the campus area.
Jay Kasey, senior vice president, Office of Administration and Planning, and Ohio State University Police Division Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt joined Columbus Police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight and Commander Dennis Jeffrey for a press conference in the University District neighborhood.
Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson delivered the following message to the campus community Friday (Aug. 27).
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
The physical and mental health and well-being of our community members is one of our highest priorities. The frequency and severity of crime in the off-campus area is disturbing. We are taking multiple measures in our approach to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.
Ohio State University Police are hosting a community event this week to connect with students.
OSU Police officers are taking part in a series of Coffee with a Cop events.
Students can stop by the student union for a free beverage and a chance to discuss campus safety.
OSU Police Officer Tom Shankle said the events are about building trust between the department and the university community.
Welcome back, Buckeyes. Safety has many different meanings, from physical security to a sense of belonging. At Ohio State, the Department of Public Safety and its police division are committed to supporting all students, faculty and staff. Ohio State’s police and security are here to help, and the university offers many resources to enhance your safety and well-being.
Every person plays a role in enhancing their own safety. This year, there are four areas we all should focus on:
Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State offers eligible students discounted rides, inside the university-designated service area, from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Each month, 10,000 discounted rides will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis with the average cost expected to be $1 to $2. Once the monthly allotment of 10,000 discounted rides is exhausted, Lyft’s normal service rates will apply for the remainder of the month.
Read more about the program.
Classroom safety remains a top priority as we welcome you back for a new academic year. The university offers many tools and resources to support our faculty, staff and students.
Please review these resources and remember that if a health or safety emergency arises, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
Active Aggressor
As students head back to campus for the new semester, safety and security remain at the forefront.
"One thing students can do is look into messaging, resources, educate yourself with the area," says Det. Schaffer.
Campus police also encourage students to lock their doors and windows and walk in a group when possible.
The following was an alert message sent to internationals students at The Ohio State University on June 7, 2021.
The safety and well-being of our campus and neighboring communities is our top priority, and the university continues to implement a series of recommendations that were made as part of the Task Force on Community Safety and Well-Being.
More than 540 emergency locks have been installed in classroom pool spaces across The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus. The locks enhance safety for students and faculty in 48 academic buildings.
“These enhancements will help our campus community members secure in place during an emergency,” said Robert Armstrong, Ohio State’s director of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention.