A statewide system to detect and report potential threats of violence and other problems at schools before they can happen has gone live.
The new Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System began operation this month and is open to 3,774 public and private schools across the state. Leading up to its launch, 178,283 students in how to use the reporting system with a similar number to be trained soon.
The program includes a web-based reporting app and tip phone number, threat identification training for students and teachers, assistance for school districts seeking to create a crisis response team, and explainers on how to use the reporting system.
The new system is in partnership with the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office. The state legislature has funded the system that is based on the promise of anonymity and confidentiality.
In the first week of the system’s operation, 615 tips and calls were received in Pennsylvania. Analysts monitoring tips have directed the information of potential threats, self-harm, and other incidents to local law enforcement and school officials.
“Working together with local law enforcement and school officials, we can make Pennsylvania safer for families, teachers and, most importantly, our students,” Shapiro said in a statement.
Tips can be provided to the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY, at Safe2SayPA.org, and the phone app.
