Safe2Tell reports increase 207% in August as students return to school

Sept. 13, 2022 (DENVER) — Safe2Tell report volume increased 207% last month when compared to July, according to the monthly report released today. Historically, the program records an increase in report volume when students return to school.

In August, the program received 1,071 reports. Suicide threats (132), bullying (93), and school complaints (75) were among the top categories of reports in August.

“As this school year begins, we can work together as communities to help keep our schools safe,” Weiser said. “Throughout the year, whether during the school day, on holiday, or on weekends, Safe2Tell is available any time to receive anonymous reports intended to protect students and keep them safe from harm.”

In this school year, false reports are 2.6% of all reports submitted to Safe2Tell. False reports are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

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

• A person reported that they were feeling suicidal and needed someone to check on them. Local law enforcement conducted a welfare check and transferred the individual to the hospital and the individual was placed on a mental health hold.
• A student reported that another student was threatening to harm students at their school. Local team investigated and found the student to have possession of guns. The student was arrested and the Crisis Response Team will conduct a threat assessment.

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

• A person reported their concerns about the drop-off and pick-up areas being unsafe at their students’ school. They were encouraged to contact their school or district in the future.

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 reports 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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