All crimes should be reported immediately to the police. For crimes occurring:

• on the BGSU main campus, call University Police at 419-372-2346.
• outside of the city of Bowling Green, call the Police or Sheriff's office in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
• in the city of Bowling Green, call City of Bowling Green Police at 419-352-2571.
• on the Firelands College during regular business hours, call 419-433-5560.
• in the area surrounding Firelands College and outside of regular business hours, call the Erie County Sheriff's Department at 419-625-7951.

Quick jump to more information:

For BGSU Main Campus

On Campus
The University Department of Public Safety, 104 Commons, is accessible 24 hours a day to receive information or provide officer assistance. Criminal activity or emergencies (fire or medical) may be reported by dialing 911 or 2-2346 from any University phone. There are currently 30 blue emergency phones located throughout campus. Emergency phones ring directly into the campus police station.

Off Campus
Any criminal activity taking place off campus, in the city of Bowling Green, can be reported 24 hours a day to City of Bowling Green Police, located at 175 W. Wooster Street, 911 or 419-352-2571. Dialing 911 from any off-campus phone will put you in contact with a Wood County 911 dispatcher. Incidents that occur outside of Bowling Green city limits, in Wood County, can be reported to the Wood County Sheriff's Department located at 1960 East Gypsy Lane Road, or phone 419-354-9137.

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For BGSU Firelands College

On and Off Campus
Firelands College is patrolled by the Erie County Sheriff's Department and Erie County Metropark rangers. On-campus criminal activity and emergencies may be reported by calling 911, which will connect you with the Erie County Sheriff's Department. During regular business hours, you may also call the Firelands College switchboard at 419-433-5560. The Firelands College switchboard is located in the East Building. Criminal activity and emergencies may also be reported to the Erie County Sheriff's Department by calling them directly at 419-625-7951.

When regularly scheduled classes are not in session or the buildings are officially closed, you can report any criminal activity via emergency telephones, which are clearly marked and located at the primary entrances to all buildings. The emergency telephones automatically dial the local "911" emergency number. When the emergency operator answers, inform him or her of the nature of the emergency, or hazardous situation, and the location.

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Guidelines for Reporting Information to Police

The following guidelines may assist you when reporting information to police:

• When describing suspects, notice age, race, sex, height, weight, and clothing.
  
• Compare your own weight and height to that of the suspect(s).
  
• Notice unique characteristics—scars, eyes, jewelry, walk, speech; or anything else that would help to identify the suspect.
  
• When describing a suspicious vehicle, look for the license plate numbers, make, model, color, noticeable damage, decals, and the direction of travel.
  
• When in doubt call police.

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Crime Prevention is a Matter of Personal Responsibility

Criminal activity has no respect for individuals. It flourishes in communities which are inattentive or apathetic in their approach to crime. Every member of the University community has a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the community. No single group or organization can possibly prevent crime on behalf of all. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to participate in crime prevention efforts. This can be accomplished by being aware of our surroundings, by reporting criminal or suspicious activity, and by getting involved in University-sponsored crime prevention programs. Crime prevention, to be fully effective, requires active participation, cooperation, and the development of partnerships within the University community. Crime prevention begins with you. By working together, we can help to ensure a safe and secure environment.

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Confidentiality Statement

Under Ohio's public records law (ORC 149.43) BGSU may not promise confidentiality to those who report crimes to anyone except counselors at the Counseling Center, or to a physician or nurse at the Student Health Service. Some off-campus reports may also be legally confidential (for example, to clergy and Behavioral Connections).

Reports confidential by law are not reported to the University for inclusion in our annual crime statistics. Because of the public records law, Bowling Green State University does not have a policy that permits the confidential reporting of crimes for inclusion in the annual crime statistics report. Crimes reported to the following individuals or offices will be included in our annual report:

BGSU Campus Security Authorities

Firelands

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About University Police

The BGSU Department of Public Safety is committed to our vision of promoting a safe and secure campus that demonstrates openness, trust, honesty, integrity, and respect for differences in ideas, people, and lifestyles. These same qualities will be reflected in the Department of Public Safety's leadership, personnel, programs and services, and its image, both on and off campus.

The Department of Public Safety, located in 104 Commons, provides the campus with 24-hour police protection by a fully certified staff of police officers, detectives, and dispatchers. The department supports the University's core values and continually seeks ways to improve the quality of service the campus receives by working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to enforce the law, provide quality services, reduce the fear of crime, and promote joint problem-solving. The Department of Public Safety actively investigates problems and incidents and search for positive solutions to support a sense of security throughout the campus. BGSU maintains an open campus environment and encourages the community to participate in activities that are open to the public. However, the University reserves the right to restrict unauthorized persons from its grounds when appropriate.

The department is staffed by police officers who have full police authority, meet all state law enforcement standards, and are state certified. The Ohio Revised Code (Section 3345.04) grants the University authority to designate employees as police officers who take an oath to uphold the rules of the institution and laws of the state. The department provides law enforcement and security, regulates parking and traffic, shuttle service, campus escort service, educational programs, and crime prevention information for the campus community.

Uniformed officers patrol the campus using marked police cars, bicycles, and foot patrols and are empowered to arrest any offender and bring that person before the local court system for judgment. Likewise, the Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for on-campus disciplinary proceedings. The Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Dean of Students work collaboratively to resolve incidents of student misconduct that involve University policy and procedures.

The Department of Public Safety encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crime. The Department of Public Safety investigates incidents of a criminal nature and initiate, before a court of law, any required legal action. If needed, assistance is available from Bowling Green City Police, Wood County Sheriff's Department, Ohio State Patrol, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In addition to the sworn police officers, the Department of Public Safety employs a student security staff that provides services for the University community. Campus Service Officers do not have statutory arrest powers, but work to assist police with security matters.

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Department of Public Safety Services

AlertBG- Emergency Text Message Service
The AlertBG service is a way of reaching students and staff in the event of an emergency. Text messages will be sent to warn of such situations as crimes in progress, building closures, severe weather and classes canceled. This program adds another dimension to the campus’s overall crisis management plan, and will only be used in emergencies. The campus police department will send the messages. Signing up for the text service can be done at the secure MyBGSU site. Click on the AlertBG tab at the top of the Welcome page and complete the signup form. Participants can choose to receive alerts on their cell phones and email. The service is provided through the e2campus company.

Campus Escort Service
The Campus Escort Service (CES) is free. All escorts wear a photo ID and have communication with University Police. CES escorts students from campus to any one location within Bowling Green city limits, or from any one location off-campus, within city limits, to campus. To arrange for an escort, phone 419-372-8360.

Crime Connection Hotline
Crime Connection is a campus hotline you can call anonymously to report crimes in progress on campus, or to give information regarding a crime that has already been committed. If your tip leads to the identification of the perpetrator, you may be eligible to receive a cash reward. Call Crime Connection at 419-372-6000.

Shuttle/Van Service
The University shuttle/on-call van service is available seven days a week. There is a "main shuttle" route, a "night express," and the on-call van, which replaces the shuttle after 3 a.m. For more information, call Parking & Traffic at 419-372-0236 or stop by the Parking & Traffic office in 104 Commons for a brochure of designated routes and times.This information can also be found on the Parking and Traffic web site.

Operation ID
Fluorescent invisible marking pens and personal registration cards are available to any faculty, staff member, or student who wishes to have a record of personal, University-owned, or controlled office equipment. Call 419-372-2346 for more information.

Building Security
The Department of Public Safety maintains security of all buildings on the main campus and other facilities located off campus. University maintenance personnel inspect campus facilities and grounds regularly, make repairs, and respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks.

Campus Service Officers
The Department of Public Safety annually employs Campus Service Officers (CSO). These students assist University Police with security of campus buildings and property. The CSOs are responsible for checking interior and exterior doors and locks of campus buildings and campus parking areas. Using a department-issued radio, they are trained to report criminal or suspicious activity.

Residential Units
University housing facilities are restricted to residents and invited guests. Only residents and authorized University personnel have keys to housing units. The primary responsibility for ensuring that the exterior doors of a living unit are secure rests with the residents. All exterior doors of living units, except the main entrance or other designated doors, are locked at all times. Door propping is a violation of the Community Living Standards located in the Student Handbook. Only residents or guests accompanied by a resident, showing identification, may enter a living unit after midnight.

Student Clerks
In addition to University police, the Office of Residence Life, within the Division of Student Affairs, hires student clerks to help oversee on-campus housing. A student clerk is assigned to the main entrance of each residence hall from midnight until 8 a.m., while two or more student clerks make rounds throughout the building. Student clerks check for doors that have been propped open, suspicious activity, vandalism, and other unauthorized activity.

Officer Liaison Program
Teams of University Police officers are assigned to residence halls, including on-campus Greek houses and other small group living units, to provide police contact, crime prevention, and safety and security information to students and Residence Life staff.

Bike Registration
Bicycles are required to be registered by city ordinance and can be marked to aid in theft prevention and to assist in identification. Stop in the Parking & Traffic Office, 104 Commons, 419-372-2776 for more details.

"Quik-Alert"
"Quik-Alert" is a list of phone numbers for commonly used credit card companies, local banks, law enforcement agencies, driver's license bureaus, and social security offices. If your wallet is lost or stolen, this makes it easier to report the loss and obtain replacements. Please call the BGSU Police Department at 419-372-2346 for more information.

Crime Prevention Education
Public Safety personnel facilitate crime prevention speeches, demonstrations, and programs throughout the year. The most popular programs are Rape Prevention & Awareness, Personal Safety, Self Defense, Vehicle Safety, Theft Prevention, Bicycle Theft Prevention, Traveling Alone, Alcohol & Drug Prevention, Underage Consumption Laws and Penalties, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated laws.

Lighting Surveys
Staff tour the campus to determine where additional exterior lighting may be needed, replaced, or repaired.

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On-Campus Resources

University Police
104 Commons
(24 hrs.) Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 419-372-2346

Hospital Transport
419-372-2346 or 911

Crime Connection
419-372-6000 (24 hrs.)

Public Information & Safety Presentations
419-372-2346

Escort Service
419-372-8360

Bicycle and Vehicle Registration
419-372-2776

Shuttle Service
419-372-0236

Student Health Service
419-372-2271

The Women's Center
419-372-7227

The Wellness Connection
419-372-9355

Coalition for B!G Choices
419-372-2843

Counseling Center
422 Saddlemire at Conklin North
419-372-2081

Office of the Dean of Students
301 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
419-372-2843

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Off-Campus Resources

Behavioral Connections of Wood County and The Link
1022 N. Prospect, Bowling Green
419-352-1545
The Link 24-hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-472-9411

City of Bowling Green Police
175 West Wooster St.
419-352-2571 or 911

Wood County Prosecutor's Office
One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green
419-354-9250

Ambulance
911

Wood County Hospital
950 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green
419-354-8900

Firelands College Resources

Firelands Community Mental Health Service
2020 Hayes, Sandusky
419-627-5177

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Policy for Preparing Report

Bowling Green State University's annual Campus Security Report is the result of the efforts of many people both on and off campus. Each year individuals and organizations, both on and off campus, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, submit their data for inclusion in the annual crime statistics. Reports and statistics are collected and tabulated by Public Safety, and no formal police report is required for a crime to be included in the statistics. Every effort is taken to ensure that all persons required to report in fact do so, and that our statistics are as accurate as possible.

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