How safe is Ohio State University's campus?

Hey everyone, I've been considering applying to Ohio State University, and I was wondering how safe the campus and surrounding areas are. Are there any precautions that students take or security measures the university provides?

Ohio State University (OSU) generally has a safe and secure campus. OSU's Department of Public Safety is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. They offer several resources and initiatives to ensure university safety, which include:

1. University Police: OSU has a fully commissioned police department to maintain safety on and around campus. Officers patrol 24/7 and respond to emergencies.

2. Emergency Management: OSU's Emergency Management team coordinates the handling of emergencies and critical incidents on campus.

3. Buckeye Alert: OSU offers the Buckeye Alert system, which sends out text messages, emails, and social media posts to inform students, faculty, and staff about security threats or campus closures.

4. Blue Light Emergency Phones: OSU has Blue Light emergency phones located throughout campus. These phones can be used to contact the OSU Police Department directly in case of emergencies.

5. Campus Safety Services: OSU provides safety services such as safe rides and safety escorts (through the Student Safety Service), which can be requested by students who feel unsafe walking on or near campus during evenings and late-night hours.

6. Community Crime Patrol: OSU partners with the Community Crime Patrol, a non-profit organization that has representatives patrolling off-campus neighborhoods, acting as the "eyes and ears" for the Columbus Police Department.

That being said, it's important to remember that no campus is entirely free of crime, and students should practice common safety precautions, such as locking doors, staying in well-lit areas, walking in groups, and keeping personal belongings secure.

Overall, Ohio State University has a strong commitment to campus safety and provides numerous resources to protect its community members. As a student, your safety should always be a top priority, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the available resources and utilize them as needed. I hope this information helps you with your college search!