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Cincinnati police installed barricades around part of University Square and increased patrols following several recent shooting incidents near the University of Cincinnati. The measures include additional coordination between Cincinnati Police and UC Police, with increased enforcement focused on areas near campus.
Cincinnati police barricades now surround part of University Square as officers increase their presence near the University of Cincinnati following several recent shooting incidents.
The Cincinnati police barricades appeared Tuesday around a grassy area across from UC’s main campus on Calhoun Street.
The new measures follow three reported shooting incidents near campus since the fall semester began.
WLWT reported that Cincinnati police placed barricades around the grassy area in front of retail businesses and restaurants frequented by UC students. Officers were also seen patrolling near the Target entrance in the University Square area.
UC Police Chief Eliot Isaac said law enforcement officials have explored strategies to limit access to areas that have created safety concerns.
“We’ve got some strategies that we want to try to really kind of restrict some of the access to our problem areas,” Isaac told WLWT. He said officials plan to adjust their approach as they evaluate the results.
The Cincinnati Police Department said officers are present as part of continued efforts to protect students, residents and visitors. It remains unclear how long the barricades and increased patrols will remain in place.
Cincinnati police barricades target problem areas
The new barriers mark one of several steps authorities have announced following recent violence near the university.
University Square sits across from UC’s main campus along Calhoun Street. Although the area serves many UC students, Cincinnati police have jurisdiction over the location.
That distinction has caused confusion among some students and parents, according to WLWT. UC Police patrol the university itself, while Cincinnati Police handle many streets and neighborhoods surrounding campus.
Isaac said UC and Cincinnati police continue to coordinate their response. The university also works with city officials to address safety concerns in neighborhoods where many students live and spend time.
UC said Monday that its Police Division has significantly increased patrols and traffic control around campus. The department has focused especially on weekend overnight hours.
Cincinnati Police have also doubled patrols around areas near campus experiencing increased late-night activity, according to an official University of Cincinnati safety update.
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Three shooting incidents raised new safety concerns
The increased enforcement follows several recent shooting incidents near the University of Cincinnati.
The most recent reported gunfire occurred early Sunday near Calhoun Street and South Market Street. UC Public Safety sent a safety alert shortly after 2:20 a.m. about the reported shooting.
The university issued an all-clear about 35 minutes later. Cincinnati police later confirmed officers responded to a shooting call but found no shooting victims at the scene.
WCPO also reported that police found no victims or suspects after responding to the reports of shots fired. The incident nevertheless marked another alarming report of gunfire near areas where UC students live and gather.
The Sunday incident followed two shootings reported near campus the previous weekend.
One shooting occurred near Moerlein Avenue and Lyon Street. Police said one person suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was expected to recover.
Another incident occurred near Calhoun and South Market streets just hours before the fall semester began. A person later arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound, according to WCPO.
Police have not confirmed whether those incidents were connected. Authorities also have not said whether any UC students were involved.
Cincinnati police barricades come with increased patrols
The Cincinnati police barricades represent part of a broader strategy involving both city and university law enforcement.
UC said Cincinnati Police doubled patrols in areas experiencing increased late-night activity. The university’s Police Division also increased its own patrol presence around campus.
UC said its additional policing efforts include more traffic control, particularly during weekend overnight periods.
The university also said law enforcement agencies are implementing strategies to control crowd sizes and deter disorderly conduct. Officers are also working with local business owners as part of those efforts.
According to UC, the university contributes more than $1 million annually toward enhanced Cincinnati Police patrols in neighborhoods surrounding campus. UC Police Chief Eliot Isaac previously said that investment helps fund additional city officers in areas where students live and socialize.
Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie and Isaac have both acknowledged concerns following the recent violence.
FOX19 reported that Hennie described the level of violence at the beginning of the academic year as concerning. Both departments said they would continue adjusting their strategies as the semester continues.
UC students face safety concerns beyond campus boundaries
The recent incidents have renewed attention on the difference between safety on campus and safety in surrounding neighborhoods.
UC officials have emphasized that the recent shootings occurred off campus. However, many students live in apartments and spend time in businesses just outside university boundaries.
Calhoun Street and nearby areas serve as major gathering places for students. Students regularly walk through those neighborhoods while traveling between campus, apartments, restaurants and other businesses.
That creates challenges for law enforcement because different agencies have jurisdiction over different areas.
UC said it maintains a close partnership with Cincinnati Police and city leaders. Officials said they regularly review crime trends and adjust patrol strategies.
Students also receive emergency notifications from UC Public Safety during incidents that could affect the campus community. UC officials encourage students to remain aware of their surroundings and use available campus safety resources.
What happens next near University Square?
Officials have not announced a timeline for removing the Cincinnati police barricades from University Square.
The Cincinnati Police Department said officers will continue working to protect people in the area. UC also said it will continue reviewing recent incidents with Cincinnati Police and city leaders.
The university expects increased patrols and traffic control to continue, especially during periods of heavy late-night activity.
Authorities have also indicated they may continue adjusting enforcement strategies as they evaluate conditions around campus.
The recent shootings have increased concerns among students and parents during the opening weeks of the fall semester. Law enforcement officials now face pressure to reduce violence in neighborhoods surrounding one of Cincinnati’s largest universities.
For now, the visible Cincinnati police barricades, additional patrols and increased coordination between UC and city police show that authorities are taking new steps following the recent incidents near campus.
FAQs
Why did Cincinnati police install barricades near UC?
Cincinnati police installed barricades around a grassy area at University Square following several recent incidents near the University of Cincinnati. Police also increased their presence in the surrounding area.
Where are the Cincinnati police barricades located?
The barricades surround part of the University Square area along Calhoun Street, across from the University of Cincinnati. The location includes businesses and restaurants frequently used by UC students.
How many recent shooting incidents occurred near UC?
Authorities responded to three reported shooting incidents near the University of Cincinnati over roughly a week and a half. Two earlier shootings left people injured, while police found no shooting victims during the most recent reported gunfire incident.
How long will the increased police patrols continue?
Officials have not announced how long the barricades or increased patrols will remain in place. Cincinnati Police and UC Police said they will continue reviewing conditions and adjusting their safety strategies.
