COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University Police Division has launched a pilot program in hopes of increasing its presence during nighttime patrol on the main campus.
The division recently installed cruise lights on the rear driver-side and passenger side windows that give off steady, low-intensity light.
A resolution for the lights was passed by the Undergraduate Student Government in November, which called on OSUPD to adopt the measure to distinguish campus police patrol cars and increase visibility.
Former USG Senator Francesco Migliore, a natural resource management major, drafted and introduced the resolution.
"Keeping cruise lights on at night isn’t just about deterrence; it’s about making officers more approachable and strengthening their connection with the Buckeye community,” he said. “This initiative also reflects the new police administration’s commitment to listening and responding to student concerns. I’m proud to see this step being taken to build a safer, more connected campus.”
Ohio State said the lights can help make drivers more aware that an officer is the area and make patrols generally more visible for community members. Ohio State also cited research that shows cruise lights can help deter crime, since it makes police more visible.
The lights on cruisers are among the recent changes from OSUPD to increase safety on campus. The division has increased its staffing from 56 sworn-in officers to 75 officers since 2018, has four full-time OSUPD officers partners with the Columbus Division of Police to patrol the University District and has also added permanent lighting and cameras as well as more than 60 license plate reader cameras. Cameras have also been added to all campus parking garages, and cameras have also been placed at select locations both on and off campus based on crime trends.
