February Safe2Tell report shows slight increase in tips, while year-to-date tips are up 20%

March 10, 2020 (DENVER, Colo.) — Safe2Tell released its monthly report for February today.

In February, the program received 2,348 tips, a 3% increase in monthly tip volume compared to the same time last year. To date for the 2019-2020 school year, Safe2Tell has received 15,987 tips, a 20% increase over the 2018-2019 school year.

“School safety is always a top priority for our state,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Through Safe2Tell, Colorado’s school violence prevention and intervention program, we are continuing to cultivate a culture of support that allows students to help us protect them and gives community members a way to protect our youth.”

Suicide threats (399), drugs (215), and bullying (146) continued to be the top categories of tips reported to the program.

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.

“The increase in Safe2Tell tip volume demonstrates that students are remaining vigilant and stepping up to courageously report safety concerns that impact themselves, their friends, and their schools, which is our collective goal,” said Essi Ellis, director of Safe2Tell. “Through Safe2Tell tips, local law enforcement, community early intervention partners, and school officials can work together to intercede in an effort to avert tragedies.”

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

  • A Safe2Tell report was received about underage drinking. Law enforcement investigated and issued citations.
  • Safe2Tell received a tip about drugs. Law enforcement investigated and issued a warning.

The following is an example of misuse of Safe2Tell:

  • A Safe2Tell tip was received regarding displeasure with a school for how they handle parental communications.

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, 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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Lawrence Pacheco
Director of Communications
(720) 508-6553
Lawrence.Pacheco@coag.gov