Petition to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees: Prioritize Safety in the University District

To: The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and President Ted Carter Jr. 

We, the members of Buckeyes for a Safe Ohio State, representing 9.8K students, parents, and community members, urge the Board of Trustees to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Ohio State University community.

Following months of advocacy and collaboration, we conducted a Safety Priorities Feedback Poll with 1,226 members participating to determine which safety measures the university community views as most urgent. The results of this poll reflect the voices of concerned members of the OSU community who are calling for immediate action to address ongoing safety concerns in the University District.

Informing This Petition
This petition is informed by conversations with university and city leaders. On December 19, 2024, we met with:

Monica Moll, PhD – The Ohio State University’s Director of Public Safety
Dennis Jeffrey – Chief of the Ohio State University Police Division
Gregory Bodker – Assistant Chief of Police, Columbus Division of Police
Kelly Weiner – Police Commander, City of Columbus
Christine Nemchev – Police Commander, Columbus Division of Police
Kate Pishotti – Director of the Department of Public Safety, City of Columbus
Glenn McEntyre – Assistant Director/Public Information Officer, Department of Public Safety

This meeting focused on gathering information about current safety measures, technology in use, and ongoing challenges in the University District. These conversations helped shape this petition by providing valuable insight into what is already being done and what additional actions are needed to enhance safety.

 
 Top Community-Identified Safety Priorities:
1️⃣ Increase joint patrol coverage to match the density of the University District.

We request that the Board of Trustees allocate funding to expand joint patrol coverage in the University District. A visible, consistent law enforcement presence is essential to deterring crime and increasing community confidence in safety measures.

2️⃣ Fund the purchase of additional fixed cameras to maximize crime prevention.

We urge the Board to invest in additional fixed surveillance cameras in high-traffic areas. These cameras deter crime and assist law enforcement in investigations.

3️⃣ Install additional LED light fixtures to improve visibility and deter crime.

We ask the Board to increase LED lighting installations in poorly lit areas in the University District. Individuals and groups are hiding in dark areas and attacking our students. 

4️⃣ Resume the issuance of Neighborhood Safety Notices.

We request that OSU advocate for improving the accuracy of the existing off-campus Community Crime Map and resume issuing Neighborhood Safety Notices for off-campus incidents. While the Community Crime Map provides daily alerts about reported crimes, students receive notifications about numerous incidents each day, making it difficult to discern which pose significant safety risks. Neighborhood Safety Notices serve a different purpose by allowing crime specialists to call out specific events or patterns that present heightened risks and provide critical safety guidance. Both tools are necessary to ensure students are informed and able to take appropriate precautions.

An effective Neighborhood Safety Notice may include the following:

Clear Incident Summary: Essential details such as date, time, location, nature of the incident, and a description of suspects or vehicles.
Guidance for Immediate Safety: Actionable steps that students and residents can take to minimize risk in the short term.
Reporting Information: Instructions on how to report relevant information to authorities, with clear contact details.
Preventative Measures: Proactive strategies to help students and residents avoid similar incidents.
Support Resources: Contact information for counseling, crisis response, and other supportive services.

Additional Community-Identified Safety Priorities:
5️⃣ Expand the availability and routes of free shuttle services.

We recommend the Board invest in expanding free shuttle services to ensure safe transportation options for students, particularly during nighttime hours.

6️⃣ Fund gunshot detection technology for the University District.

We request that the Board explore funding for gunshot detection systems in the University District. This technology is already in use in other high-crime areas in the city and can improve police response times.

7️⃣ Bolster the off-campus property rating system.

We recommend a review and enhancement of the off-campus property rating system to provide students with accurate, reliable information about the safety of housing options.

Why We’re Asking the Board to Act
Safety concerns in the University District have persisted for years, and recent violent incidents underscore the urgent need for action. While we commend the University for taking steps to improve safety in the University District, more comprehensive, long-term solutions are necessary to ensure that Ohio State students and community members are safe on and around campus.

We ask the Board of Trustees to take these priorities into account and allocate the necessary resources to implement them.

College should not be a crime scene. Together, we can build a safer future for all Buckeyes.

Sincerely,

Buckeyes for a Safe Ohio State