September Safe2Tell report shows over 100% increase in tips when compared to September 2020

Oct. 12, 2021 (DENVER)—Safe2Tell tip volume increased last month when compared to September 2020, according to the monthly report released today.

In September, the program received 2,147 tips, a 101% increase in monthly tip volume compared to September 2020, which is likely in part due to students returning to in-person learning following school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date for the 2021-2022 school year, Safe2Tell has received 3,119 tips, a 75% increase from the previous school year.

Suicide threats (260), welfare checks (143), and school complaints (141) were the top categories of tips reported to the program in September. Welfare checks are usually reports that express concern about a peer.

“Students and community members likely have a heightened awareness of potential threats to students’ safety now that many are back in school in person,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “This month’s increase in reporting shows Safe2Tell continues to be a trusted resource to anonymously report concerns and help protect Colorado’s students.”

In this school year, false tips are 1.9% of all tips submitted to Safe2Tell. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

In September, anonymous tips from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:

• A person reported that a teacher was engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student. Upon investigation, law enforcement learned the report originated in Texas. The report was forwarded to Texas authorities who conducted an investigation, resulting in an arrest and charges against the teacher for solicitation.
• A person reported that a student was showing drug products to others. The report was sent to school and law enforcement, and the student was issued a citation for possession.

The following is an example of unintentional misuse of the program:

• A person reported that parents and students planned to show up to schools unmasked and refuse to leave until police were involved, in protest of the mask mandate. Safe2Tell notified the school security personnel, school and law enforcement.

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 nor mental health counseling service provider; it is a conduit of information for distributing anonymous tips to local law enforcement and school officials pursuant 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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