COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Dennis Jeffrey prepares to take on his new role as chief of the Ohio State University Police Department, he shared how he plans to continue keeping the campus community safe.
"I enjoyed my career at CPD but when this opportunity came open it was a natural fit for me,” Jeffrey said.
After a 27-year career with the Columbus Division of Police, Jeffrey said he’s excited to begin working in this new role.
"I grew up in the shadow of Ohio State, went to Ohio State, two of my three children went to Ohio State, my wife went to Ohio State,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey first joined the OSU police force two years ago as a deputy chief. As he now prepares to be chief, he said their biggest challenge is to crack down on off-campus crime.
"We're discussing that now. We do have property on that other side of High Street that we are exploring having more of a footprint in those areas,” Jeffrey said.
According to data 10TV requested from CPD, crimes like breaking and entering have steadily increased in the University District and Olentangy West areas since 2022. But robberies and motor vehicle thefts are dropping.
"I'd like to have our officers do more in those areas so we can really enhance our relationship with the greater community off campus,” Jeffrey said.
Programs like the joint patrol unit allows them to crack down on crime in partnership with Columbus Police.
"We have our joint patrol unit which we're really proud of that can go out in the community, do follow ups, and really try to get more information not only to help maybe solve that case but also to provide resources to students living in Columbus,” Jeffrey said.
The joint patrol unit pairs officers from OSU PD and CPD to patrol the University District. It was re-launched in 2022. In August, the program’s size doubled. It now has four officers from each division along with four new joint patrol cruisers.
Jeffrey said they’re always looking to make improvements.
"We utilize heavily our flock system cameras so we're always looking at what enhancements can we make to our camera systems so garages, parking areas,” Jeffrey said.
He added they also plan to continue educating students and staff to always be aware of their surroundings.
"We are in a big city so if you're not accustomed to that type of environment, we really want to educate you. Be observant all the time you know and really report things when you see them,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey official starts his new role as chief this Friday, November 1.