The Safe to Tell Act is a federal law that provides funding to states for anonymous school threat reporting programs. The program allows students and others to report potential threats of school violence, bullying, or self-harm without fear of retaliation.

The goal is to prevent school violence and provide a safe environment for students to learn.

The Safe to Tell Act was first introduced in 2018 and has since been re-introduced in subsequent sessions of Congress. The Act authorizes the Department of Justice to make grants to states for establishing anonymous school threat reporting programs.

The program is designed to provide students and others with a safe and confidential way to report potential threats of violence, bullying, or self-harm. The program has been successful in preventing school violence and creating a safer environment for students.

What is the Safe to Tell Law?

The Safe to Tell Law is a Colorado state law that was passed in 2019. It allows students, parents, teachers, and community members to report concerns about their safety or the safety of others anonymously. The law aims to create a safe and anonymous way for people to report concerns about potential threats to themselves or others, such as bullying, harassment, drug use, self-harm, or violence.

The Safe to Tell program is managed by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and is available 24/7. Reports can be submitted online, through a mobile app, or by calling a toll-free hotline. The program is designed to provide a safe and confidential way for people to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

The law also requires that schools and law enforcement agencies respond to reports within a certain timeframe. Schools must respond within 24 hours and law enforcement must respond within 72 hours. The law also requires schools to provide training to students and staff on how to recognize and report potential threats.

One of the key features of the Safe to Tell Law is its emphasis on anonymity. Reports can be submitted anonymously, which allows people to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

However, it’s important to note that misuse of the program, such as submitting false reports, can result in serious consequences.

Overall, the Safe to Tell Law is an important tool for promoting safety and preventing potential threats in Colorado schools and communities. By providing a safe and anonymous way for people to report concerns, the law aims to prevent tragedies and promote a safer environment for everyone.

How Does the Safe to Tell Law Prevent Violence?

The Safe to Tell Law is a powerful tool for preventing violence in schools and communities. This law provides a safe and confidential way for students, parents, and community members to report any concerns about potential violence or threats of harm. Here are some of the ways that the Safe to Tell Law helps prevent violence:

Prevention

The Safe to Tell Law is designed to prevent violence before it happens. By providing a way for people to report concerns about potential violence or harm, the law enables schools and law enforcement to take proactive steps to prevent violence. This may include counseling or other interventions for students who are struggling, or increased security measures to keep schools safe.

Response

When a report is made through Safe to Tell, schools and law enforcement are required to respond quickly and appropriately. This may involve investigating the report, providing support and resources to those involved, or taking other steps to ensure the safety of the school community.

Protect

The Safe to Tell Law is designed to protect students and school communities from harm. By providing a confidential way to report concerns, the law helps ensure that students feel safe and supported. This can help prevent incidents of violence and create a more positive school culture.

Schools

The Safe to Tell Law is a critical tool for schools in preventing violence. Schools are required to have policies and procedures in place for responding to reports made through Safe to Tell. This may include training for staff and students on how to recognize and report potential threats, as well as protocols for investigating and responding to reports.

Training

Training is a key component of the Safe to Tell Law. Schools are required to provide training to staff and students on how to recognize and report potential threats of violence. This training can help ensure that everyone in the school community knows how to respond if they see something concerning.

In summary, the Safe to Tell Law is a powerful tool for preventing violence in schools and communities. By providing a safe and confidential way to report concerns, the law enables schools and law enforcement to take proactive steps to prevent violence before it happens. Schools are required to have policies and procedures in place for responding to reports, and training is provided to staff and students on how to recognize and report potential threats.

How to Use Safe to Tell

Safe to Tell is a confidential and anonymous way for students, parents, and community members to report any concerning or threatening behavior that may affect the safety and well-being of others. The program is designed to provide early intervention and prevention to avoid potential harm.

Reporting Anonymously

Reporting anonymously is easy and can be done online at the Safe to Tell website or by calling the 24-hour tip line at 1-877-542-SAFE (7233). It is important to note that the reporting process is completely anonymous, and the identity of the person reporting cannot be traced.

Confidentiality and False Reports

Safe to Tell takes confidentiality seriously, and information provided is only shared with school officials or law enforcement if there is a threat to the safety of others. False reports are taken seriously and may result in consequences. It is important to only report information that is truthful and accurate.

Response and Resources

Once a report is made, the Safe to Tell team will review the information and determine the appropriate response. This may include school officials or law enforcement conducting an investigation or providing support to those involved. Resources such as counseling may also be provided to those affected by the incident.

In conclusion, Safe to Tell is a valuable resource for reporting any concerning or threatening behavior anonymously and confidentially. It is important to only report truthful and accurate information to avoid false reports and consequences. The program is designed to provide early intervention and prevention to avoid potential harm and provide support to those affected.

What Happens After a Report is Made?

Once a report is made under the Safe to Tell law, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) receives the information and then forwards it to the appropriate school district or law enforcement agency. The CDE does not conduct investigations itself but acts as a conduit for information sharing and coordination.

In cases where the report involves an emergency, such as an imminent threat to the safety of a student or staff member, law enforcement agencies are immediately notified. They will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

If the report involves a potential violation of the law, law enforcement agencies will conduct an investigation. This may include interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and making an arrest if necessary. If charges are filed, the case will go to court, and a judge will determine the outcome.

In cases where the report involves a violation of school policy, the school district will conduct an investigation. This may include interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and taking disciplinary action if necessary. The goal is to ensure that the school environment remains safe for all students and staff.

In some cases, a court order may be necessary to ensure the safety of the student or staff member. For example, a restraining order may be issued to protect a student from an abusive parent or a staff member from a threatening student.

It is important to note that all reports are taken seriously, and the safety of all involved is the top priority. If you make a report, you can be assured that it will be handled with care and professionalism.

Who is Involved in the Safe to Tell Program?

The Safe to Tell Program involves a wide range of entities in order to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community. The program is designed to be a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, school staff and teachers, prevention and awareness programs, and other first responder entities.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Local law enforcement agencies are a crucial component of the Safe to Tell Program. They are responsible for investigating any reports made to the program and ensuring that appropriate tactical responses are taken when necessary. Additionally, they work closely with school resource officers and teams, school district security personnel, and the school safety division to develop comprehensive school safety plans.

School Staff and Teachers

School staff and teachers play an important role in the Safe to Tell Program. They are responsible for receiving reports from students and forwarding them to the appropriate authorities. They are also responsible for ensuring that students are aware of the program and encouraging them to use it when necessary. Staff and teachers are trained to recognize signs of violence and to respond appropriately to any threats made.

Prevention and Awareness

Prevention and awareness programs are an essential part of the Safe to Tell Program. These programs are designed to educate students, staff, and the community about the importance of reporting any concerns or threats. They also provide information on how to recognize signs of violence and how to respond to them. Prevention and awareness programs are typically led by the state department of education, the director of school safety, or the Safe to Tell Program Advisory Committee.

In conclusion, the Safe to Tell Program involves a wide range of entities working together to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community. It is a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, school staff and teachers, prevention and awareness programs, and other first responder entities. By working together, these entities are able to develop comprehensive school safety plans and respond appropriately to any threats made.

What are the Benefits of the Safe to Tell Law?

The Safe to Tell Law provides numerous benefits to students, parents, educators, and communities. This law is designed to provide an anonymous way for students, parents, school staff, and community members to report concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. Here are some of the benefits of the Safe to Tell Law:

Provides a Safe and Secure Environment

The Safe to Tell Law aims to create a safe and secure environment for students, teachers, and staff. It encourages students to speak up and report any dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity that they witness or hear about. This law is particularly helpful in preventing school shootings, bullying, and other forms of violence.

Offers Multiple Reporting Channels

The Safe to Tell Law provides various reporting channels, including a crisis call center, internet website, mobile telephone application, and email address. This ensures that students and parents can easily report any concerns they have, regardless of their location or the time of day.

Trains School-Based Teams and Administrative Staff

The Safe to Tell Law requires school-based teams and administrative staff to receive crisis intervention training. This training equips them with the necessary skills to identify and respond to potential threats of violence or harm. This ensures that schools are better prepared to handle any crisis situation that may arise.

Encourages Parental Involvement

The Safe to Tell Law encourages parental involvement in school safety. Parents have the right to be informed about any threats of violence or harm that may affect their child. They also have the right to be involved in the development and implementation of school safety plans.

Provides Reimbursement for Reporting Costs

The Safe to Tell Law provides reimbursement for reporting costs incurred by schools. This ensures that schools are not burdened with the costs of implementing the Safe to Tell program.

Ensures Compliance with State Mandates

The Safe to Tell Law ensures compliance with state-mandated local programs. It requires schools to establish a school site council and to work with the superintendent of public instruction to develop and implement school safety plans.

Protects Pupil Rights

The Safe to Tell Law protects pupil rights. It ensures that students who report potential threats of violence or harm are not subject to retaliation or discrimination. It also ensures that their identity is kept confidential.

Saugus Strong Act

The Safe to Tell Law is also known as the Saugus Strong Act in California. The Saugus Strong Act was introduced as Senate Bill No. 643 in response to the Saugus High School shooting in 2019. This law provides additional funding for school safety and mental health programs.

In conclusion, the Safe to Tell Law is a crucial tool in ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff. It provides an anonymous way for students and parents to report potential threats of violence or harm. It also ensures that schools are better prepared to handle any crisis situation that may arise.