Safe2Tell tips continue to increase over previous school year in December

Jan. 7, 2020 (DENVER, Colo.) — Safe2Tell released its monthly report for December today, and although fewer tips were submitted than last month, monthly tip volume continues to rise when compared to the previous school year.

In December, the program received 2,100 tips, an 8% increase in monthly tip volume compared to December 2018. To date for the 2019-2020 school year, Safe2Tell has received 11,485 tips, a 25% increase over the 2018-2019 school year. Suicide threats (403), drugs (150), and bullying (141) continued to be the top categories of tips reported to the program.

“Although Safe2Tell reports decrease during the holidays when many of our Colorado schools are on break, the continued increase in monthly tip volume when compared to last year shows our students and families are remaining vigilant,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “As we move into 2020, it is important that students continue to report anything they deem suspicious or cause for concern.”

False tips remain at approximately 2.5% of all tips submitted. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

In November, the program received 2,595 tips, showing only a slight decrease to 2,100 during December. Historically, Safe2Tell will experience drops in reports during the spring, summer and winter school breaks.

“Safe2Tell tip volume often decreases during the month of December. Even though most schools are closed for a time during this month, the holidays can be difficult for those dealing with mental health issues. We want to remind students that they can anonymously report any safety concerns they may have, day or night, to Safe2Tell,” said Essi Ellis, director of Safe2Tell.

In December, anonymous tips from students and other individuals successfully helped prevent incidents of self-harm and illegal activity. For example:

  • A Safe2Tell report was received regarding animal cruelty. Police investigated and forwarded the information to the animal control unit.
  • A report was made to Safe2Tell about underage drinking. Police investigated and issued citations.
  • A Safe2Tell report was made about a student’s welfare. Police conducted a welfare check.

The following is an example of misuse of the Safe2Tell system:

  • A person reached out to the Safe2Tell tip line requesting advice about how to report a coworker to human resources.

Safe2Tell is a successful violence intervention and prevention program for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others’, safety. Safe2Tell is not an emergency response unit; it is a conduit of information for distributing anonymous tips to local law enforcement, school officials, and other appropriate responding parties according to state law.

To make a report, individuals can call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reports also can be made at Safe2Tell.org or through the Safe2Tell mobile app which is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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CONTACT:

Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications
(720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell
Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov