A new statewide system designed to collect reports of threats against schools has netted hundreds of tips in its first week.
The program is called Safe2Say and allows users to anonymously report emergencies and non-emergencies, including bullying, suicide threats and threats to schools.
According to the office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the system has received over 600 tips and calls from across Pennsylvania during the first week.
Every tip was processed by crisis center analysts and several hundred were then referred to local law enforcement and school officials for follow-up with students.
Nearly 4,000 public and private schools from across the state have joined the Safe2Say network, and over 300,000 students will be trained in how to use the program by phone or online.
“Pennsylvania students deserve a safe place to learn, free from the threat of violence from classmates or other individuals,” Attorney General Shapiro said in announcing the program’s first week of activity and results. “I’m proud my office was entrusted by the legislature to run this new program focused on school safety. Working together with local law enforcement and school officials, we can make Pennsylvania safer for families, teachers and, most importantly, our students.”
Safe2Say is modeled after a Colorado-based program created after the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Students, school officials and others can go to www.safe2saypa.org to learn more about this new school safety initiative. They can also call 1-844-Saf2Say (844-723-2729) to report information.