Department of Public Safety

Overview

The Department of Public Safety is committed to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. We work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies regarding the reporting and investigation of crime, and we have a mutual aid agreement with the Newark Police Department. The Ohio State University provides university police officers and additional resources for the safety of our campuses. We encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the appropriate agency.

Contact

John L. and Christine Warner Library and Student Center, #105
1219 University Drive

Phone: 740.366.9237
Emergency Cancellation Line: 740.755.7193
Email: safety@newark.osu.edu

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency – Police/Fire/Medical: 9-1-1
State Highway Patrol: 740.587.0786
Licking County Sheriff: 740.670.6555
Poison Control Center: 800.222.1222

Safety Tips

You are the first line of defense, the eyes and ears watching out for the safety of our campus. All of us must take responsibility for our own safety and assist those around us. See something, say something!  Please consider the following safety tips:

  • Register for the Campus Emergency Alert System at myCOTC to receive the most up-to-date crime information and campus notices.
  • Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
  • Be aware of your surroundings; report any crimes or suspicious behavior to Public Safety immediately at 740.366.9237 (please enter this number into your mobile phone).
  • Report power outages to maintenance at 740.366.9363 or Public Safety at 740.366.9237.
  • If you feel uncomfortable walking into a secluded area, you can request a Safety Escort anytime by calling Public Safety at 740.366.9237. 
  • Always carry a mobile phone and consider carrying a whistle or other noise making device that can be used to attract attention or summon assistance.
  • If you do encounter someone presenting harassing/threatening behavior, immediately go to the nearest occupied campus building to report the incident or call Public Safety at 740.366.9237.
  • Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, scooters and roller shoes are prohibited on campus property except for the bike path. Student offenders will be processed through judicial proceeding, if necessary, and the Newark Police Department will be contacted for general public offenders.
  • The posted speed limit is 10 mph in all parking lots and 25 mph on University Drive that encircles the campus.

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Department of Public Safety

Overview

Public Safety Services

The Department of Public Safety issues student, faculty and staff IDs and parking permits and offers FBI/BCI background checks and fingerprinting and a safety escort service.

Overview

Crime and Safety Information

Resources

Fire Alarm Systems

As you walk in the hallways on your way to an exit – and usually near the stairwell door – you should find at least one fire alarm pull box. In case of fire or smoke, always pull the alarm box first, regardless of the size of the fire. Upon pulling this box, an alarm should sound and verbal instructions might follow. The alarm system also should be activated automatically when a heat or smoke detector detects a fire or smoke condition, protecting both people and property even when the fire is not noticed by an individual.
Once the alarm is activated, notification goes to the local fire department through the Department of Public Safety. Your awareness and prompt use of the fire alarm system can minimize the loss of life and property because of fire.
To ensure that the system will protect you, you must:

  • Evacuate during all fire alarms.
  • Respond to all alarms equally. Never assume that it is a test or a drill or a false alarm.
  • Become familiar with your building’s fire alarm system and alarm notification procedures.
  • Know at least two pull box locations in your area.
  • Know how to activate the fire alarm.
  • Maintain pull boxes free of obstructions and clearly visible at all times.
  • Report promptly to the Department of Public Safety, if the alarm is not heard properly in your area.
  • Some pull boxes have plexiglas covers that, when lifted, produce a local warning sound. Note that this is not a fire alarm sound. To activate the fire alarm throughout the building, you must pull the inner pull box.

Fire Log
Fire Safety Compliance

Sexual Assault

Various organizations sponsor programs relating to rape and rape prevention, drug use and discrimination. Notices will be posted by campus security and other campus offices regarding crime awareness and prevention. Student Support Services and personal counselors are always available to lend a supportive ear whenever you need someone to talk with.

The OASIS Program provides pamphlets and information regarding rape education, safety tips and personal security. During each semester, open forums are scheduled for the above items to make all students aware of their availability. In addition, each subject matter will be submitted to: This Week in Student Life, the campus online publication.

If you are sexually assaulted, consider the following:

  • Contact the police, Public Safety on campus or the Office of Student Life. Campus personnel will help you communicate with the police.
  • Contact a 24-hour assistance hotline in Newark, 800.544.1601 or 740.345.4357; Coshocton and Zanesville areas, 800.656.HOPE; Mount Vernon, 330.392.2828; and in Columbus, 614.267.7020.
  • Get medical attention. Note: Do not shower or douche. Bring in clothes to the examination. This will help assure that evidence needed for prosecution is not destroyed.
  • Contact a support person (friend, family member, faculty or staff member) to help with emotional support and transportation.
  • Emotional help is available through the Counseling Services at 740.364.9578 and Family Health Center in Newark at 800.544.1601. Additional agencies are listed in a brochure available at the Office of Student Life.
  • Finally, upon request of the victim of an alleged sex offense, classes and/or campus living situations may be changed if campus officials can reasonably accommodate them.

The bottom line is, if you are not sure whether or not to report a sexual offense or a crime has been committed, contact the Director of Student Life, Chief Safety Officer, a Campus Security Officer or Site Coordinators for Knox and Coshocton campuses. They will help you find out if you should report the incident. They can contact the proper authorities and provide options to you. Just remember, unwanted touching, unprovoked verbal or non-verbal gestures regarding sex, race, ethnic origin, etc., will not be tolerated and are subject to the student judicial system, employee disciplinary procedures, or the criminal laws of Ohio.

For reporting on-campus incidents:
For students: Holly Mason, Dean of Students at Central Ohio Technical College
Director of Student Life at The Ohio State University at Newark
740.364.9578; mason.536@mail.cotc.edu

For faculty/staff:  Sue Wadley, Director of Human Resources
740.755.7345; wadley.16@mail.cotc.edu

Sexual Offenders are required to notify the sheriff of the county in which they will reside in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, Section 2950.04.

For a complete listing of offenders in Licking County please click here.

Overview

Emergency Closing Information

Should the closure of any COTC campus be necessary due to weather or other emergencies, text announcements will be sent via the Campus Emergency Alert System. An announcement will also be placed on the COTC homepage and on the college emergency closing phone line at 740.755.7193.