November Safe2Tell report shows continued increase in tips when compared to 2018

Dec. 10, 2019 (DENVER, Colo.) — Safe2Tell released its monthly report for November today.

In November, the program received 2,595 tips, a 13% increase in monthly tip volume compared to November 2018. To date for the 2019-20 school year, Safe2Tell has received 9,385 tips, a 30% increase over 2018-19 school year. Suicide threats (447), bullying (205), and drugs (186) continued to be the top categories of tips reported to the program.

“Safe2Tell continues to be a successful safety intervention and violence prevention program for young people. There have been a number of incidents so far this school year where Safe2Tell tips have prevented harm. As we head into the holiday season, students should remember that Safe2Tell is available even while schools are on break,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser.

In November, 278 duplicate tips were reported. Those tips were reports regarding a concern or event that had already been reported. This school year, 892 duplicate tips have been reported.

Duplicate tips indicate that multiple people are paying close attention to their schools, many of whom noticed a similar concern, and reported that concern through Safe2Tell.

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.

“When Colorado youth are worried about their own safety or the safety of a friend, they may not have a trusted adult with whom to share their concerns. They may also not be comfortable or willing to reach out to other resources that don’t guarantee anonymity. Utilizing Safe2Tell is a great option for all students to report concerns and know that anonymity and confidentiality are priorities of Safe2Tell,” said Essi Ellis, director of Safe2Tell.

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

  • A report was made to Safe2Tell involving a possible school attack. Police investigated and determined there was no immediate threat.
  • A Safe2Tell report was submitted involving a safety concern. Police conducted a welfare check and advised the parties of available community resources.

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

  • A person reached out to the Safe2Tell tip line to ask for assistance with finding lodging for the night.

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