The Ohio State University Police Department unveiled a new joint police substation located on 11th Avenue just east of High Street during a Wednesday press conference.
The substation will be a center for both Ohio State police and the Columbus Division of Police working in the University District neighborhood as part of the university's joint patrol program.
Ohio State police took over the space last summer and began renovations. The 9,000-square-foot substation contains administrative offices for OSUPD and CPD supervisors and will allow patrol officers to work on reports, process evidence and handle lost or stolen property. The facility also houses locker rooms, bike and equipment storage and community engagement space.
The joint patrol program, part of the university's comprehensive safety plan, was first enacted in late 2021 and has helped contribute to a steady decrease in crime rates in the University District.
The joint program now features four Ohio State police officers patrolling the University District full-time alongside Columbus police officers. The patrols add to existing law enforcement presence within Columbus police's jurisdiction and allows Ohio State's joint patrol officers to respond to calls under the special mutual aid agreement. OSUPD and CPD often patrol together inside new co-branded vehicles or on bikes.
Columbus Division of Police Assistant Chief Greg Bodker highlighted the benefits of the new substation.
"This substation represents a modern, forward-thinking approach to policing. One where agencies work side-by-side, share information in real time and deploy resources together with a common purpose. Keeping this community safe is more than just patrol cars and radios," Bodker said.
A group of a half dozen people protested outside the press conference. This comes after OSUPD arrested three people Tuesday on campus, including two students, at a spring career fair. The group was protesting the Department of Homeland Security's recruitment booth.
