Ohio State News Alert: University working with city to address crime, enhance safety

Recent incidents of gun violence on and near the Columbus campus have authorities on high alert, and Ohio State is taking action in coordination with the city of Columbus. 

“Safety is my top priority, and these recent incidents are extremely concerning. I have been in touch with the mayor’s office and have been assured of the city’s continued emphasis on safety in the neighborhoods around our campus,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Our police agencies are working together closely and will have a highly visible presence on and around campus as well as continue their targeted efforts to reduce crime.”   

On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and University Police responded to a report of gunshots near 11th Avenue and High Street, for which CPD is the primary responding agency. Multiple Buckeye Alerts were issued that directed everyone on campus to shelter in place. The shelter in place was lifted around 7:30 p.m. Police do not believe that anyone was shot during this incident, which was an altercation between individuals who are not affiliated with Ohio State. 

On Monday, Sept. 16, a separate altercation between two unhoused individuals led to one being shot and transported to the Wexner Medical Center in stable condition. Multiple Buckeye Alerts – the university’s emergency notification system – and a Public Safety Notice informed the campus community of the situation and police arrested the suspect on Tuesday. 

“These recent incidents are tied to three main issues plaguing all major cities: mental health, addiction, and teenagers carrying firearms and committing violent crime,” said Monica Moll, associate vice president of Public Safety and interim chief of The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD). “Gun violence remains a national problem and Ohio State and the City of Columbus are not alone.” 

Moll added that people without housing are more often the targets of violent crime than offenders. 

Ohio State continues to engage with appropriate partners, including the City of Columbus Office of Violence Prevention and the Community Shelter Board to not just respond to crime, but also address root causes. 

Police continue to patrol on and off-campus with a high-visibility presence. OSUPD has a strong working relationship with Columbus Police, including a joint patrol program which recently expanded to four full-time OSUPD officers working alongside CPD officers. In total, OSUPD has an authorized strength of 75 sworn police, an expansion from previous years. 

Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a comprehensive approach that includes sworn police officers, supported by non-sworn security, lights, cameras and other technology and personnel. The Columbus campus has more than 5,000 fixed surveillance cameras that feed into a campus communications (9-1-1) center.  

Over the past few years, Ohio State has expanded safety resources, including the addition of mobile cameras, license plate readers, lights, security and an increased police presence. These initiatives have contributed to a decrease in crime over the past few years in the University District.  

Police presence will remain high as Ohio State football hosts Marshall this weekend. DPS partners with local, state and federal agencies to support a safe, fan-friendly environment. Off-campus, nearby neighborhoods are saturated with uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.  

Police remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings. Travel in groups or utilize public transportation such as CABS, CABS On Demand or Lyft Ride Smart. Lock doors and windows and report suspicious behavior to police. 

To access additional safety resources, please visit dps.osu.edu/resources.