Otterbein Police Services

Otterbein Police Services

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• Facilities Access Policy

  During business hours, the University (excluding certain housing facilities) will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours, access to all University facilities is by key, if issued, or by admittance via the Police Department or Residence Life staff. In the case of periods of extended closing, the University will admit only those with prior written approval to all facilities. 


  Residence halls are secured 24-hours a day and accessible via an authorized Cardinal Card swipe system during the academic year. Over extended breaks, Cardinal Card access will be denied to students without prior arrangements for access. If you have lost or forgotten your Cardinal Card for access into a building, police officers can let you in.

  Some facilities may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are the Library and the Clements Recreation Center. In these cases, the facilities will be secured according to schedules developed by the department responsible for the facility.

  Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedules. Areas that are revealed as problematic have security surveys conducted of them. Administrators from the Dean's Office, Physical Plant, Residence Life, and other concerned areas review these results. These surveys examine security issues such as landscaping, locks, alarms, lighting, and communications. Additionally, during the academic year, the Directors of the Police Department, Service Department, Student Affairs, Residence Life, and various other departments (as appropriate), are in constant contact to discuss issues of pressing concern.

• Register your valuable property

  LeadsOnline provides a free system for any person wishing to maintain secure records of their valuables. You may store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss. This record may also come in handy when reporting any loss to police or your insurance provider.

  Please note that LeadsOnline is not searching for any property that may have been lost or stolen. Many use it as an inventory system to provide to law enforcement agencies and insurance providers in the event of loss.

  The Otterbein University Police Department can also help you document and mark information from valuable equipment or items with either an engraver or an ultraviolet pen.

• Bicycle Registration

  Students, faculty, and staff should register their bicycles to discourage theft and aid in recovery in case it is stolen. Bicycle registration is provided free of charge to members of the Otterbein University Community.

  The information on the bicycle is kept on file at the Otterbein Police Department and the Westerville Police Department for several years, so even if a student has graduated, we will be able to provide information on the bicycle if the owner can not locate its serial number. Additionally, the sticker identifies the bicycle as belonging to someone who is at Otterbein University. If it is located by a law enforcement agency, they will contact the University and the bicycle is more likely to be returned to its owner.

  Unregistered bicycles and registered bicycles that are left on campus after a student has graduated are considered abandoned and may become part of the University’s Otterbike bicycle loan program.

  There is not a limit on the number of bicycles a person can register while they are on campus; however, to be fair to other bicycle owners, members of the community should have no more than two bicycles stored on campus at one time so everyone will have room to store their bicycles.

  To register your bicycle, have your serial number, make and color of the bicycle ready, print the Bicycle Registration Form complete the information, and sign. The serial number is engraved on the bicycle frame (not on wheels, etc.) and is often located under the bicycle between the pedals. 

  Mail the form or stop by our office at 194 W. Main Street during office hours.

  Once the Otterbein Police Department and Westerville Police Department has registered your information, you will receive a sticker to affix to your bicycle.

• Motorist Assistance Program

  The Otterbein University Police Department will provide assistance to motorists needing a jump-start, for those who are locked out of their vehicle, or help with a flat tire. A waiver of liability must be signed by the person requesting assistance before completion of either request. Proof of vehicle ownership may be requested. There is no charge for the service.

  To receive assistance, contact the Otterbein University Police Department at (614) 823-1222.

• Security Escorts

  Leaving the Library late? Been to a late night study group? Do you have an injury that limits your ability to walk to/from class or your residence hall?

  If so, please contact the Otterbein University Police Department at (614) 823-1222 to request a Police Officer to escort you to your vehicle, class, or residence hall.