Following an increase in gun violence in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University (OSU) will invest an additional $2 million per year over the next decade to enhance safety and security on and around campus, President Kristina M. Johnson and Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther recently announced. The additional investment is expected to be at least $20 million, and the university’s total safety and security budget will grow to an expected $23.5 million over the next ten years.
The additional funding begins immediately and is dedicated to the following enhancements:
- Expanding off-campus security, including the use of additional private security and OSU's Community Crime Patrol. This increased security will include additional campus service officers, who will immediately expand their patrols into the University District.
- Adding additional mobile lighting and at least more 10 mobile camera systems to saturate the area where Ohio State students live.
- Extending the Lyft Ride Smart program on High Street to include getting students to and from the Short North area.
- Continuing to recruit and train Ohio State Police Department officers. Four new officers were recently sworn in to increase joint patrol coverage off campus.
The university will also task an external safety expert with examining the effectiveness of the university’s expanded approach to off-campus safety in partnership with the city of Columbus.
