Bowling Green ranked one of America’s safest college towns based on FBI statistics, additional safety data

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Home to Bowling Green State University, the city of Bowling Green was recently ranked the second safest college town in Ohio and among the top 50 in the nation, according to Research.com.

For its 2024 rankings, the online platform analyzed the latest available FBI crime statistics on violent and property crime and other factors, including community outreach programs, security practices and town safety measures.

BGSU Police Chief Mike Campbell said the shared safety goals between the University and the city create and maintain a safe environment for the learning and greater community.

"Our partnerships with the community are an essential focus and are forged via community policing," Campbell said. "Our efforts to ensure a safe and secure campus contribute to a positive learning environment where students can focus on their education and experience."

The BGSU Police Department is the only CALEA – or Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies – accredited college or university-affiliated agency in northwest Ohio, highlighting a dedication to professional conduct and compliance by officers, detectives and dispatchers.

Considered the gold standard for law enforcement accreditation, CALEA certification aims to improve the delivery and offering of public safety services by maintaining a body of professional standards that guide the administration of accredited programs.

According to Research.com's analysis, on-campus crimes are on a downward trend nationally over the past 15 years, falling 32% from 2001 to 2016.

From 2019 to 2020, the FBI reported that, on average, the violent crime rate off-campus among the 50 safest college towns in the U.S. remained constant at 0.9 incidents for every 1,000 people. In Bowling Green, where BGSU students make up half the population, the violent crime rate is only 0.7.

“A strong focus on partnerships with students, faculty, staff and the community provide quality service, reduce fear of crime and promote problem-solving," Campbell said. “Partnerships are simultaneously a philosophy, management style and organizational strategy that drive strong relationships between police and the community.”