We live and work in a small community, and we all like to think of it as “home.” And, while we would wish otherwise, it is often true that members of our extended family here on campus may cause problems for others or have experienced problems themselves. When crimes occur that affect our community, several things can be said with absolute certainty of fact:

Because our campus is small, it is almost certain that someone has either seen the event take place or know of someone who did.

There is a greater likelihood that someone has heard or seen something or someone which leads them to believe that they were either involved or know the persons who were.

• Call 614-823-1222
• Stop by our office, located at 194 West Main Street
• If you wish to provide Otterbein police with information, but do not wish to be identified as the party providing the information, click here to report the information completely anonymously.

Whether you saw it, heard it, or heard about it, you may be able to assist us in resolving campus crime issues.

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 (PDF) 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. An online version of the form is also available for your convenience.

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

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 any request. Proof of vehicle ownership may be requested. There is no charge for the service.

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.

We live and work in a small community, and we all like to think of it as “home.” And, while we would wish otherwise, it is often true that members of our extended family here on campus may cause problems for others or have experienced problems themselves. When crimes occur that affect our community, several things can be said with absolute certainty of fact:

• Because our campus is small, it is almost certain that someone has either seen the event take place or know of someone who did.
• There is a greater likelihood that someone has heard or seen something or someone which leads them to believe that they were either involved or know the persons who were.
• Someone wishes to provide Otterbein police with information, but does not wish to be identified as the party providing the information.
• To this end, we have provided a completely anonymous method of contacting the campus police department to provide timely information.
• Whether you saw it, heard it, or heard about it, you may be able to assist us in resolving campus crime issues by providing us with information.
• If you see a crime or incident that you want to report to us, click the link here.

Otterbein University provides a free emergency alert/notification system, called Cardinal Red Alert, for the campus community that will send email, text messages and automated phone calls to the campus community in the event of an emergency or a cancellation of classes due to bad weather. By default, all Otterbein email addresses; campus office phone numbers; and all student, faculty, and staff cell phone numbers are entered into the Cardinal Red Alert emergency notification system.

Thus, all students, faculty and staff will receive Red Alert messages. No registration or sign-up is required. Additional information can be found on My O-Zone.