The Ohio State University (OSU) publicly released a report from an independent consultant on the effectiveness of new security measures put into place.
The security provisions, which were implemented following a spike in crime around the university, aimed to ease the concerns of students and parents.
“Portions of the report will detail specific actions recommended but in general SRMC found the public safety services and initiatives implemented by Ohio State to be impactful in the off-campus University District. SRMC staff found during the review that many members of the community were more comfortable in their perceptions and “feelings” of on-campus safety than they were with the areas around the campus. The identification of specific concerns and responsive safety programs is a challenge, but one identified as needing attention,” a summary of the findings stated.
Following the crime spike, the university announced that added security actions will provide $20 million over the next 10 years to improve safety for students on and around its campus.
For example, the funds were used for multiple projects.
Buckeye Block Watch patrols the neighborhood around the campus on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Additional mobile lighting has been placed around the area where students live.
Despite the enhancements, some parents and students still have concerns.
“While we appreciate President Johnson’s efforts and finally publicly addressing the violent crimes being committed against OSU students, we are cautiously optimistic but also frustrated. If they can do this today, they could’ve done this a year ago and with greater urgency that would’ve saved so many of these poor students from being victimized. The passive manner in how OSU handles safety is endangering the lives of so many people,” a group of parents said in a statement after the announcement of the added funds.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Ohio State University Campus” by Ohio State University.
