The Village of Gambier contracts with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to promote and provide public safety to all areas of the Village, including Kenyon’s campus. Kenyon does not hold a separate contract with the KCSO, as it is subject to the terms of the Village’s contract with KCSO. Kenyon and KCSO benefit from working together; the College relies on the KCSO for enforcement of state and local laws, and Campus Safety’s knowledge of campus often serves as an asset for the KCSO as they conduct their work.
The KCSO has jurisdiction over all of Kenyon’s Gambier campus. They can access, without a warrant, any area where individuals do not have an expectation of privacy, such as Middle Path, campus lawns and campus buildings, including public areas of residence halls. The KCSO also has jurisdiction over off-campus spaces in Gambier, such as Greek lodges.
The KCSO has the authority to enter individual rooms in residence halls only if they have the appropriate consent and/or warrant to do so.
Kenyon’s safety officers rely on the KCSO for assistance in situations including, but not limited to, combative and/or uncooperative persons, acts of violence or potential violence, and incidents that require a significant law enforcement response, such as a missing person. KCSO also assists with traffic coordination for high-attendance events such as Commencement.
As a courtesy, the KCSO typically notifies Campus Safety of incidents occurring on or near campus, such as citations for underage drinking on Middle Path or parking infractions in Gambier involving Kenyon students. However, they are not required to do so.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office would still have jurisdiction over Kenyon’s campus, but would likely conduct fewer regular patrols.
Yes. Members of the campus community are expected to follow state law, local ordinances and their respective handbooks (faculty, employee and student). Students who are arrested and charged by law enforcement officials may be notified that College disciplinary action also is pending. Students also may be subject to College disciplinary action absent prosecution by law enforcement.
Members of the Kenyon community with questions or concerns about the KCSO should contact Director of Campus Safety Michael Sweazey at sweazey1@kenyon.edu. They may also wish to contact Gambier Mayor Leeman Kessler at mayor@villageofgambier.org or Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer at dshaffer@knoxcountysheriff.com.