This week, the Ohio State University will begin installing surveillance cameras and license plate reader cameras at the Ohio Union garages. 

Working in tandem with the City of Columbus, there are already 30 license plate reader cameras in the University District, part of 60 expected for a new pilot program in the area where much of the Buckeye community lives.

In a new Health, Safety and Well-being Update video, President Kristina M. Johnson announced numerous safety upgrades. “We continue to closely monitor crime on and around campus and have increased police and security patrols on campus and in parking lots and garages,” Johnson said. “The university and City of Columbus are in regular communication about crime and crime trends.”

Recently, an outside, comprehensive review of the university’s expanded approach to off-campus safety recommended installing permanent, fixed lighting to replace the 20 mobile locations that dot the off-campus area. So far, the city has upgraded six of these with permanent LED fixtures, with more to come. 

The report also noted the university’s work in offering free personal safety devices to students since last fall. The safety devices, which emit a piercing, loud noise and light up when activated, will now be available to all faculty and staff, including at the Wexner Medical Center.