ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Police at Ohio University say they’re being extra vigilant following a number of recent sexual harassment reports.
The Athens Messenger reports Ohio University Police Chief Andrew Powers sent a message to students, faculty and staff Monday stressing the seriousness of such offenses following reports of sexual imposition and harassing behavior last week and over the weekend.
Powers said in the statement that officers are emphasizing foot patrol and increasing their visibility and accessibility to the university community in the wake of the reports. He reminded students and staff that touching people against their will, especially in a sexual area, is a crime, not a joke.
Powers urged students not to joke about or trivialize such crimes, and asked that students report suspicious conduct.