Task Force Releases Recommendations, Begins Implementation
Following the shooting death of Chase Meola on October 11th, The Ohio State University created the “Task Force on Community Safety and Well-Being”. Its mission was to investigate safety challenges at OSU and to produce recommendations for how safety could be improved. Their recommendations have recently been released and can be viewed HERE.
Some of these recommendations include the following:
Safety classes for OSU students
Increased implicit bias training for OSU police officers
Expanded hours for the Lyft Smart Ride program
Re-introduction of Community Crime Patrol to the University District
Increased allocation of resources to UDO to help provide social services to local residents and the District’s unhoused population
Three working groups have been formed to carry these and other recommendations through to completion. Each of these groups is focused around one of three subject areas. These include:
Safety Awareness and Education
Enhanced Security Measures
Outreach and Engagement Efforts
Implementation groups will be holding their first meetings within the coming weeks. Going forward, they will begin the process of implementing these recommendations by identifying necessary resources and collaboration. Some shorter-term goals, such as a safety survey, will be completed as soon as this spring, while other longer-term projects will continue for multiple years. Recommendations such as the re-introduction of Community Crime Patrol have begun already.
Community Crime Patrol
After a ten month absence, Community Crime Patrol (CCP) has been re-introduced to the University District. CCP is a group of highly trained citizen patrollers who seek to improve local safety. By serving as a watchful eye over the neighborhood and seeking to assist the local community, CCP patrollers deter criminals, build neighborhood awareness of crime prevention techniques, assist in the apprehension of suspects, and provide first aid and other assistance when needed. More information on CCP can be found HERE.
University District Lighting
Two initiatives have begun to make sure the off-campus areas are adequately lit.
Lighting Study
In addition to the Task Force recommendations, OSU has also taken the step of hiring an engineering consultant to examine street lighting in the off-campus area. The consultant will identify any gaps or deficiencies that exist in the area’s lighting and will make recommendations as to how it could be improved.
Street light repair
In addition to their crime prevention work, CCP has also partnered with UDO to identify streetlights that have burned out. By working closely with the Department of Public Utilities, UDO is recording and mapping the locations and repair status of these lights. This will help the Department of Public Utilities to ensure that they are promptly repaired.
Community Engagement
The Task Force has produced four recommendations related to community engagement, which the University District Organization, University Area Commission, community-based non-profits, the faith community, and municipal leaders will play an especially active role in implementing. Below is a summary of these recommendations.
Safety Survey
Assist OSU in conducting a campus-wide safety survey for students. This will provide input on safety challenges both on and off-campus and will also increase awareness of OSU safety resources and programs.
Develop Partnerships
Assist in developing and strengthening partnerships with many grassroots and community organizations. Efforts will be made to conduct an inventory of past and current initiatives to identify gaps and build capacity for new initiatives with a focus on community engagement in the University District.
Social Services
Resources could be added to the University District Organization that will allow it to develop and offer expanded social services through the University District Special Improvement District. These additional resources will enable the employment of an outreach worker who will provide additional support to the community, especially the District’s unhoused population.
Community Policing
Assist OSU in expanding their community policing initiatives. These new initiatives will include a special focus on outreach and interactions with marginalized groups.