416 tips made to Safe2Tell in July, according to monthly report

Aug. 10, 2021 (DENVER)—As many Colorado schools prepare for reopening, use of Safe2Tell continues through summer closure with 416 tips made to the program in July, according to the monthly report released today.

Suicide threats (76), welfare checks (40), and drugs (22) were the top categories of tips reported to the program in July. Welfare checks are usually reports that express concern about a peer.

“This year’s back-to-school transition promises to be very challenging for youth in Colorado, with the built-up stress and anxiety from the pandemic, changing health and safety guidelines, and a return to in-person learning throughout the state,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “As a community, we can help protect students and safeguard their wellbeing by reporting urgent safety concerns to Safe2Tell.”

In the 2020-2021 school year, Safe2Tell received 11,388 tips. False tips are down to 1.6% from the previous school year’s 2.5% of all tips submitted to Safe2Tell, which is likely due to social distance learning and delayed school openings 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 July, anonymous tips from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:

• A person reported that a student was posting inappropriate pictures on social media. Local agencies reported back to Safe2Tell that officers spoke to parent and student and the behavior will be corrected.
• A person reported a large party with drugs and alcohol. Officers responded and five juveniles at the property were released to the custody of two parents.

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

• A person called Safe2Tell to register their child for school. They were advised what Safe2Tell is and were directed to the appropriate school.

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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