Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. President at Ohio State University | Wikipedia
Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. President at Ohio State University | Wikipedia
Five nights a week at 7 p.m., The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) Officer Thomas Schneider and Columbus Division of Police (CPD) Officer Shawn Dye begin their shift on High Street. This initiative is part of an expanded joint patrol program, which now includes four officers from each division, effectively doubling the program's size in the University District. Four new joint patrol cruisers have also been added to the fleet.
“We patrol the east side of High Street, respond to calls and check in on students who live in off-campus housing to build and maintain relationships,” said Schneider.
The collaboration between OSUPD and CPD has been revitalized after being on hold due to the retirement of its last dedicated officer. Relaunched in July 2022, the program has further expanded in 2024 to enhance safety in the University District.
“OSUPD brings resources CPD might not have, and vice versa,” said Dye. “They have cameras all across campus that we don’t have access to, and we have a helicopter.”
Monica Moll has been promoted to associate vice president of the university’s Department of Public Safety and will serve as interim chief of police following Kimberly Spears-McNatt’s departure on Aug. 26.
“Monica continues to prioritize safety for all Buckeyes by growing our sworn police staffing and integrating new safety resources to deter crime,” said Mark Conselyea, interim senior vice president of the Office of Administration and Planning.
“With an authorized strength of 75 sworn police officers, we now dedicate four of them to full-time joint patrol duties, bolstering our presence off campus,” said Moll. “It’s a really important partnership with the city and we are grateful to CPD.”
Expanding this joint patrol program allows officers to respond more effectively and provide enhanced support to the community.
“With our increased presence, we can offer more resources to students, including those living off campus,” Schneider explained. “If an Ohio State officer responds to a call in CPD’s jurisdiction, they can connect students with university resources and guidance.”
The joint patrol is part of a comprehensive approach that includes improved lighting, additional surveillance cameras, license plate readers, and expanded non-sworn security patrols.
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