October Safe2Tell report shows decrease in tips when compared to 2019

Nov. 10, 2020 (DENVER, Colo.)— Safe2Tell tip volume decreased last month when compared to October 2019, according to the monthly report released today.

In October, the program received 1,189 tips, a 55% decrease in monthly tip volume compared to October 2019. To date for the 2020-2021 school year, Safe2Tell has received 2,974 tips, a 56% decrease from 2019-2020 school year, which is likely due to delayed school openings and distance learning practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide threats (256), welfare checks (100), and school complaints (69) were the top categories of tips reported to the program. Many of the school complaint tips were related to COVID-19 concerns, which should be reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“As we can see from the examples of tips the program received in October, Safe2Tell continues to serve as a vital tool for communities to anonymously report safety concerns,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Although not all students are physically in school, students and community members should continue to look out for the wellbeing of Colorado’s youth. The consistent use of Safe2Tell to anonymously report these concerns shows our state is taking youth safety seriously.”

False tips are down to 1.7% from 2.5% of all tips submitted to Safe2Tell, which is also likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

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

• Safe2Tell received a tip regarding a possible threat of a school shooting. School officials and local law enforcement responded to the report and are investigating the matter. There is no known threat to the public at this time.
• A Safe2Tell tip was received regarding a student who posted on social media about their home situation. School officials responded to the report and are following up with recommendations.

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

• Safe2Tell received a tip regarding a person who repeatedly parked in a crosswalk in front of a school. The tipster was encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or school district security team and was provided their contact information.

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.

###