For parents sending their students off to college and for students stepping onto campus for the first time, safety is a top priority. At Kent State University, a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to security and well-being works 24 hours a day to protect students, faculty, staff and visitors across its entire eight-campus system.
Kent State's commitment to safety is anchored by its award-winning police force, technological alert systems and extensive student support programs designed to create a secure and supportive learning environment.
The Kent Campus is patrolled 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by Kent State University Police Services. Their team is comprised of sworn law enforcement officers, detectives, K9 officers and civilian support staff. The department鈥檚 credentials and certifications are maintained to be active and up to date.
'They Really Need to Get to Know Us.'
Chris Jenkins is the director of public safety and chief of police for Kent State University Police Services. He said that the best way to understand what his team does is to meet them.
Jenkins has been with Kent State for 31 years, first as a police officer and now as chief. "What is unique here is that a state university as a community and a department of public safety and police department is going to look completely different than what the police department in Chicago looks like and deals with," he said. Since the criminal justice system in the United States is decentralized," Jenkins said, "The police work can be unique to the community you serve and cater to their needs." Officers develop relationships with people in the community which helps them do their jobs better and keep members of the community safe.
When asked about what he would say to students and parents who ask if Kent State is safe, he said,"Forget everything you know about policing from television and the movies and maybe even your hometown. They really need to get to know us. Come meet with us, interact with our officers and participate in some of the events in the programming."
While the Kent Campus maintains its own emergency communications center and police department, the entire eight-campus system utilizes local police and fire services, with each Regional Campus maintaining its own office of safety and security.
In the event of a campus emergency, the university relies on Flash ALERTS, the official emergency text notification system. Flash ALERTS instantly notifies subscribers of critical information. For immediate help on any campus, students and parents are advised to dial 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, Kent State University Police Services can be reached at 330-672-2212.
Creating a Safe Environment for Learning and Living
A key feature ensuring student safety, especially during evening hours, is the Safety Assistants and Escorts program. This program employs approximately 65 trained students who patrol residence halls and provide walking escorts across campus. Escorts are available seven days a week, typically between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., to help students navigate between buildings safely. Students can request an escort by calling 330-672-7004.
The university鈥檚 residence halls are designed with security in mind:
- All residence halls remain locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Access is restricted to assigned key cards.
- Helpful University Housing Security Aides routinely complete rounds in the halls.
- Public footpaths are well-lit, and an on-campus bus service assists students in quickly navigating between buildings and connecting with nearby local destinations.
Kent State encourages all community members to take an active role in campus safety by locking doors, not propping open exterior doors and reporting any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to Kent State University Police Services.
Holistic Student Safety includes Health and Well-being
Campus safety extends beyond physical protection to include mental and emotional well-being. Kent State provides comprehensive resources to support students:
- The Office of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS) was established to educate students on personal safety and violence prevention. SRVSS offers resources and support for sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking.
- Kent State鈥檚 Counseling and Psychological Services and DeWeese Health Center, our on-campus clinic, work together on initiatives like "Step Up Speak Out," a suicide prevention campaign aimed at increasing awareness of mental health concerns and supporting individuals in need.