Joint patrol program expands, increasing off-campus police presence

Joint patrol program expands, increasing off-campus police presence

Four new joint patrol cruisers added to fleet

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 hop into a new cruiser and head toward High Street to begin their shift. The duo is part of an expanding joint patrol program that now includes four officers from each division, doubling the size of the joint patrol program in the off-campus area known as the University District. Four new joint patrol cruisers were added to the fleet, helping them stand out from other patrol units.

"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, describing the collaboration between OSUPD and CPD.

This partnership pairing officers from both divisions has been revitalized and expanded. After the retirement of the program's last dedicated officer a few years ago, the joint patrol was put on hold. However, in July 2022, the program was relaunched. Now, in 2024, the program has further expanded 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, for example."

As recently announced, 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 the 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 a key component of a comprehensive approach to off-campus safety, which also includes improved lighting, additional surveillance cameras, license plate readers and expanded non-sworn security patrols.

Learn more about the Department of Public Safety's safety resources.

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