Campus Security Programs for Students and Employees
Ohio University sponsors or participates in various programs to inform students, staff, and visitors about safety and security issues throughout the year. While these efforts attempt to be comprehensive in providing a safe and secure community, community members must also be aware of their own safety and that of others in the community. To that end, the Ohio University Police Department also provides the following programs to the greater university community:
A.D.D. – Avoid, Deny, Defend
The Avoid, Deny, Defend (A.D.D.) strategy is the most updated and scientifically-backed approach currently being recommended to respond to rapidly-evolving active attack events. Also called “Run, Hide, Fight,” the A.D.D. model encourages those in an active attack situation to think quickly through a series of responses, decide which approach best fits the current setting and events, and develop a survivor’s mindset. This model urges us to first orient ourselves and quickly move past the “denial” phase of an emergency. Once we’ve decided to act, here are the options.
Avoid
We might employ this strategy even before an attacker begins their assault; be aware of your surroundings. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, trust your gut and take action. Don’t hesitate or look to others for direction. If you’re aware that an attack is currently taking place, the first option to consider is to avoid the attacker(s). This means leaving the area by the closest, safe exit. Think outside of the box; your exit could be a window, even if you’re not on the first floor.
Deny
Sometimes, leaving the area isn’t an option. A viable strategy might be to deny the attacker access to your location. Make it difficult for that person to get into your area by locking or barricading doors, or using a door stop. This strategy will, at the very least, slow the attacker down. While in this phase, it is recommended you employ a lockdown: doors locked, lights off, everyone out of sight. If the attacker believes the room is unoccupied, they may move on. (Note: Have a backup plan. Denying the aggressor entry may only work temporarily, or not at all.)
Defend
This approach is where the survivor’s mindset comes into play. If avoiding or denying the attacker are not practical options or they aren’t working, your best chance of survival is to defend yourself. This may mean physically confronting or overwhelming the attacker, which has proven to be an effective strategy when employed in real-life situations. You have the legal right to defend yourself. Be aggressive, and don’t give up.
Whichever option you choose, remember to call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so, and provide as much information as you can. Try to speak calmly and listen carefully to the instructions given by the dispatcher on the other end of the line.
If you want more information on the A.D.D. response to active attack events, OUPD offers free training seminars.
RAD
Rape Aggression Defense is a 15-hour self-defense program that focuses on mental and physical preparation with a strong emphasis on physical defensive techniques. This program encourages students and employees to share responsibility for their own security and the security of others. This program is offered to campus and community groups by request.
Community Safety Talks
Officers regularly meet with faculty, staff, and students about campus safety procedures and crime prevention strategies. These programs are often held in residence halls or classes and are scheduled by request.
Transportation Services
Ohio University offers several transportation services to students, faculty/staff, and visitors on the Athens campus. CATS Daily Campus Shuttles is a free shuttle service traveling to multiple destinations throughout campus. The service runs on dedicated transit routes Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM during Fall and Spring Semesters. Service does not run during breaks, holidays, or summer. All CATS shuttle loops can be tracked in the TripShot App. A link to the app and more information about the free shuttle service can be found on the Transportation and Parking Services website.
- CATS Evening & Weekend Transit is a free on-demand transit service for OHIO students, faculty, and staff, providing a safe and secure method of travel across campus. Riders are encouraged to schedule rides in advance by downloading the TripShot App. Requests for on-demand service are also accepted. Wait times depend on demand and load at the time of the reservation request. CATS Late Night is offered during the academic year, Monday – Friday from 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM and Saturday – Sunday from 6:00 PM – 11:00PM. Service is not offered over summer and breaks. For more information, visit Cats Late Night.
- CATCAB (accessible transit service), a free para-transit service, to assist students and faculty/staff with mobility limitations on the Athens campus. This service provides door to door transit across the Athens campus and within a one-mile service radius from the center of campus. CATCAB is offered Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM and Saturday – Sunday, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, during the Fall and Spring Semester. During summer session and breaks, CATCAB is offered Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. For more information, visit CATCAB.
- Bobcat Pass is a partnership between Ohio University and the City of Athens that enables students and faculty/staff to ride Athens Public Transit (APT) routes free of charge utilizing their Ohio University ID. Riders simply present their valid University ID to bus drivers at designated APT routes for unlimited fare travel. APT transit vehicles provide accessibility accommodations. For more information, visit Bobcat Pass.
Community's Role in Maintaining a Safe and Secure Campus
The safety and security of Ohio University’s campuses is the responsibility of the entire community. It is important the community take precautions to protect itself. All community members should utilize safe practices to prevent themselves from becoming victims.