Ohio State announces additional $20 million for safety and security

The Ohio State University will invest an additional $2 million per year over the next decade to enhance safety and security on and around campus, President Kristina M. Johnson and Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced today. The total investment is expected to be at least $20 million.

The announcement comes after an increase in gun violence in Columbus.

“We are all committed to working hand-in-hand until this problem is solved in our community and our city,” Johnson said.

Ohio State issued a neighborhood safety notice this morning after police responded to a home near Tuller Street and Woodruff Avenue, following a report of someone discharging a firearm near a home. Johnson and Ginther said gun violence in the city must stop.

Ginther pointed to a shooting in Columbus last night where a 12- and 16-year-old were injured. He said these violent crimes are more than statistics.

“These incidents of violence have become all too familiar, but they remain just as tragic, devastating, infuriating and unacceptable as ever,” Ginther said. “Safety in all of our neighborhoods is my top priority. We will continue working closely with our partners at Ohio State around the clock to help prevent crime and hold those who commit crimes accountable.”

The additional funding is part of a continuing effort to enhance safety in the university community. Since the tragic shooting death of Ohio State student Chase Meola last year, the university has invested more than $1 million in safety measures.

“It is not enough. We must do more,” Johnson said.

The additional funding begins immediately and is dedicated to the following enhancements:

• Immediately expanding by an order of magnitude off-campus security, including by using additional private security, as well as continuing support for Community Crime Patrol. This increased security will include additional campus service officers, who will immediately expand their patrols into the University District.
• Adding additional mobile lighting and at least another 10 mobile camera systems to saturate the area where Ohio State students live.
• Extending the Lyft Ride Smart program on High Street to include getting students…