Announcing Buckeye Block Watch

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Safety enhancements in the off-campus area are making an impact. Major crime remains down, and we continue to introduce new measures as part of our community-based, holistic approach to safety and security.

This weekend is the launch of Buckeye Block Watch, which supports the idea of Buckeyes and our University District community members coming together to create a safer, more welcoming neighborhood.

Members of Buckeye Block Watch will patrol the off-campus area and offer resources and information while reporting suspicious activity. They are given training in how to deal with difficult situations and learn best practices for public engagement, including mental health responses, first aid and CPR. Training also includes information specific to the University District, and they will be responsible for recording streetlight outages and other environmental concerns.

This initiative encourages residents to play a role in getting to know one another and look out for each other. Buckeye Block Watch reinforces that the University District is our neighborhood, a place where we take care of each other and are together as a community.

Buckeye Block Watch utilizes the resources of our existing partner, Community Crime Patrol, and adds a partnership with the Block by Block organization. You’ll see patrols on foot, bikes and in a vehicle in the neighborhood on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Additional coverage will be added on remaining home football game days.

While they will act as eyes and ears for safety concerns, Buckeye Block Watch members are not sworn law enforcement and will not have arrest powers or carry firearms.

Their patrols are separate and distinct from the Ohio State University Police Division, Columbus Division of Police, and the non-sworn security patrols Ohio State has in place using Campus Service Officers or private security firms.

This is a community program in which members will proactively speak with students and residents and will be wearing highly visible uniforms.

Talk to them when you see them, and I encourage you to get to know them this afternoon at East Norwich and Indianola avenues from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a food truck with free hot cider and baked goods.

I also urge you to continue to use the resources made available to you, from using Lyft Ride Smart or lighted pedestrian pathways to get home safely to picking up a personal safety device from the Office of Student Life. You can see a comprehensive listing on our public safety website.

Lastly, I want to remind students that if you or a friend is in need of immediate, emergency help, always dial 911. If you’re worried about getting in trouble, know that the emergency responders’ first and most important goal is to respond and help.

Have a great weekend and stay safe!

Sincerely yours,

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD

President