North Columbus News

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently featured The Ohio State University’s public safety director Monica Moll in an article discussing the challenges faced by college police forces and their unique responses. Moll’s decades of experience provide stability while encouraging innovation amidst the evolving landscape of campus safety.

Regarding The Ohio State University Police Department’s partnership with other local agencies, Moll noted that the division holds monthly meetings with various local law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts, including the Columbus Division of Police (CPD).

In late 2020, Ohio State announced a task force to review safety issues on campus and in nearby neighborhoods. The group comprised representatives from the Office of Student Life, Department of Public Safety, students, staff, public health professionals, and others.

Safety enhancements implemented since establishing the task force have led to a steady decrease in off-campus crime. These measures included installing over 60 license plate readers on and off campus, adding 20 LED light fixtures off campus, and collaborating with the city of Columbus to add surveillance cameras in the University District and at all campus parking garages. Additionally, the department has hired more police and non-sworn security personnel and expanded a joint patrol program in partnership with CPD. The university also offers an online safety course called Stay Safe Buckeyes to encourage students to take charge of their own safety. This one-hour video-based module covers topics such as crime prevention, how to report a crime, self-defense, and more.

In terms of building community support and trust, Moll mentioned that Ohio State’s Office of Student Life has expanded its long-running community roundtable. This initiative involves bringing together people from various positions across Columbus—such as business owners and homeowners—for monthly discussions with university students and staff.

“The idea is to get people talking about housing-code enforcement, street lighting, door locks and other safety issues on the edge of campus where a lot of our people live,” Moll told the outlet.

The value of building relationships is considered crucial as these connections help maintain safety within the university community and beyond.

“We’re looking to get all kinds of residents to buy into safety,” said Dave Isaacs, a spokesman for the Office of Student Life. “If we do that, someone who sees that a light is out will be more likely to report it. We want to create an atmosphere where people are looking out for each other.”