Columbus and University Police Expanded Joint Patrols
The joint patrol unit increased its staffing and equipment to enhance safety for the Ohio State University community.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Cohort Joint Patrol Unit, a partnership between Ohio State University and Columbus police, expanded in 2024 to include more officers and new vehicles. The unit focuses on campus-area crime prevention and student welfare checks.
Why it matters
The collaboration aims to better connect students with law enforcement resources and improve overall public safety in the university area. By combining agency strengths, the program provides comprehensive support for the campus population.
The unit currently consists of four Ohio State University Police Division officers and three Columbus Police Division officers. The program provides non-emergency support through specific contact lines, including 614-292-2121 for campus and 614-645-4545 for off-campus needs.
The players
Ohio State University Police Division
This department is responsible for protecting the campus community and maintaining order across university properties.
Columbus Police Division
This agency serves as the primary law enforcement authority for the city of Columbus, Ohio.
The details
Operating under a mutual aid agreement, the divisions share information to provide health calls and community outreach. The university further supplements these efforts by offering students free safety devices, window alarms, and an online course titled Stay Safe, Buckeyes.
Timeline
The partnership between OSUPD and CPD began in 2008.
Program expansions have been occurring since 2021.
Additional officers and new cruisers were added to the unit in 2024.
Legal Context
The joint patrol model follows the precedent set by the 1990 Clery Act campus security reporting requirements, which mandates that institutions prioritize transparent safety initiatives. It represents a shift from siloed campus security toward integrated urban law enforcement partnerships.
Students and area residents can utilize the unit for non-emergency welfare checks and report concerns via the provided city and campus contact lines. The availability of safety devices and discounted transportation services provides immediate tools for personal security.
The takeaway
Integrated law enforcement partnerships can offer specialized support for densely populated educational areas. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about university-provided safety resources to maximize their personal security.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety initiatives on our Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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