<p>My D is a senior or 4th year as they say it. He has found the campus and surrounding area very safe. The only "bad area is beyond the Kroger and past Summit near 4th but students do not really go into that area. There is a campus presence and security will escort you. Dorms are very safe with a swipe card system. </p>
<p>The only criminal thing that happened to my son was two weeks ago. His car was broken into. I blame him because he left his backpack and brand new North Face jacket in the car overnight in plain view. Everyone has told us that the jacket is very popular with everyone and that might be the reasons. </p>
<p>Cops definitely are trying to keep the area safe. At the end of sophomore year my son and his friends were stopped by cops for matching the description of someone who had committed a crime. My son clearly had not committed the crime and we found that slightly amusing because my DH is a judge. </p>
<p>Ohio State participates in the emergency alert system. They are great at getting the word out even to us parents. We will get a text and phone call along the lines of “There is a suspicious package at gateway” kind of thing. We do not get them much more than one a month. Dean J who is head of student services really wants to make Ohio State as safe as possible. I suggest you call her office if you have further concerns. </p>