Cleveland State University has been awarded a grant in the amount of $321,500 that will be used on safety improvements in an effort to better secure its downtown campus. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that 28 colleges and universities across the state will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding through the Ohio Campus Safety Grant program for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff. This will be CSU’s second award, the first of which was received in 2022. 

“The physical safety improvements [we are planning to make] will undoubtedly help increase the sense of safety for students living on campus,” said CSUPD Chief Beverly Pettrey. 

“While these improvements are an important part of the solution, they won’t prevent all crime. However, they will reduce risk, [and] it's essential that our community take an active role in combating crime by being vigilant, locking doors and cars, not leaving property visible and promptly reporting suspicious activity to CSU Police.” 

To be eligible for grant funding, colleges and universities conducted a security and vulnerability assessment to identify areas in need of safety enhancements. The Ohio School Safety Center, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, reviewed the campus safety grant applications in consultation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, according to a press release. Chief Pettrey also met with campus leaders and stakeholders to assess safety priorities and reviewed crime trends in the area. 

Though Cleveland State is in the early stages of evaluating vendors and technology, Chief Pettrey is hoping to start implementing the projects soon. She said the funds will be directed toward addressing specific vulnerabilities identified in a recent campus safety assessment, with a primary focus on enhancing key areas of safety across campus. 

Some of the main initiatives for the grant include: 

Improved Lighting: Increased lighting in areas identified as darker and more vulnerable, particularly around the three main residential locations on campus, “will enhance visibility and help mitigate safety concerns during nighttime hours,” said Chief Pettrey. 

Mobile Surveillance Trailer: The grant will also support the purchase of a mobile camera trailer, adding to the two mobile cameras that are currently on campus. The trailer will be strategically deployed to areas with emerging security concerns or in need of additional surveillance while also being a valuable resource for large-scale events, offering increased flexibility in monitoring campus activities. 

Upgraded Security at Residential Locations: Strengthening security at residential buildings is also a top priority by way of upgrading locks on doors and windows, ultimately preventing unauthorized access.   

“We believe these targeted upgrades will significantly enhance the safety and security of our campus community,” said Chief Pettrey. "It is still important to remember that if you see something, say something. We’re all in this together, and by working as a community, we can help create a safer environment for everyone.”