Local Safety Resources
Columbus Police Dialogue Team
The Columbus Police Dialogue Team is the largest unit of its kind in the country. Comprised of 60 volunteer officers, the Dialogue Team attends local events, festivals and protests with the goal of engaging the community, facilitating dialogue and diffusing tensions. Members of the public can identify the officers by the light blue vests that they wear.
Citywide IKE Stations
The IKE stations, located through Columbus in nearby neighborhoods such as the University District, Arena District, Short North, Downtown, Brewery District and German Village, offer key safety features. These include security cameras for added protection, the ability to broadcast emergency messages and critical updates, and a visible "push to call" emergency button that enables two-way communication with authorities, helping to expedite emergency response times.
What visitor services are available downtown?
The Experience Columbus Insider (ECI) program is designed to help visitors make the most of their time in Columbus. ECIs are trained to provide valuable insights and recommendations about the city, ensuring you have a memorable visit. You can easily identify them by their ECI pins, and they’re ready to share their local knowledge with you.
Surrounding Neighborhoods
Short North Arts District
The Short North Alliance offers an Ambassador Program to provide safety escorts to patrons and employees in the district, and a Crime Interdiction Program that provides increased officer patrols in the district. The ambassadors are regularly available to provide safety escorts to patrons and employees to destinations within several blocks of High Street as requested on demand.
Ambassador Hours:Sunday – Wednesday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact: Call or text (614) 636 - 5100 (response times may vary)
Downtown District
Visitors can contact the Capital Crossroads & Discovery Special Improvement Districts to request a safety escort. The ambassadors also provide directions, dining recommendations and homeless outreach services.
Ambassador Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 6 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (614) 228 - 5718
Arena District
The Experience Columbus Visitor Center277 W Nationwide Blvd #125
Columbus, OH 43215
For questions, call (614) 221 - 6623.
Ambassador Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
For safety concerns, who can I contact?
While in Columbus, if someone’s safety is at risk and an immediate response from police, fire or medics is required, call 911. The city also provides services via 311 for non-emergency information. You can call (614) 645 - 3111 or email 311@columbus.gov.