The Safe2Tell anonymous tip line received a record number of submissions in the first month of the 2019-20 school year, according to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
In August, the program received 1,503 tips, a 75% increase from August 2018. Of the tips received, 139 were duplicate reports, indicating an increased comfort with the tool as students return to school. According to the report, suicide threats (235) and drugs (114) continue to be the most common categories reported to the program.
“We are already seeing an uptick in reports as the new school year begins,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose office oversees the program. “This demonstrates not only that students are aware of Safe2Tell but also that they are increasingly comfortable using it to report concerns. The beginning of the school year is a welcome opportunity to reflect on past program successes and help educate students and communities on how to use the tool effectively and appropriately to make our schools safer and our students heard.”
This September will mark Safe2Tell’s 15th anniversary serving as Colorado’s anonymous tip line for safety concerns. The program serves as a violence intervention and prevention program where students can anonymously report threats to their own and others’ safety. Once a report is made, state law mandates that local law enforcement and school districts follow up on each tip to determine an appropriate response.
To make a report, call 877-542-7233. Reports also can be made at Safe2Tell.org or through the Safe2Tell mobile app available in the iTunes Store and on Google Play.