Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette on Monday released the June 2018 tip numbers for his OK2SAY student safety initiative. During the month of June, OK2SAY received 365 tips, bringing the total number of tips to 14,552 since the program began in 2014.
The highest number of tips submitted by Michigan students in June were in the following categories:
- Suicide Threat - 122
- Bullying - 34
- Drugs - 34
- Self Harm - 28
"OK2SAY is a program that works," said Schuette. "OK2SAY saves lives, and helps students make their schools a safer place."
The OK2SAY tip line is available for tips 24/7, 365 days a year, even in the summer months when school is not in session.
With most Michigan Schools now on summer break, Schuette is encouraging school officials to get in-school OK2SAY programming scheduled for the 2018-2019 school year.
To sign up, visit the OK2SAY website, www.michigan.gov/ok2say, and navigate to the schedule a presentation page.
OK2SAY is a student safety program that acts as an early warning system in Michigan schools to prevent tragedies before they occur. Launched by Schuette in 2014, the program encourages students to submit confidential tips to trained technicians regarding potential harm or threats 24/7. In June more than 880 students heard an OK2SAY presentation; bringing the total number to more than 493,000 students since the program's inception in 2014. An additional 71 community members heard an OK2SAY program in June.
"I appreciate the continued support of the Michigan Legislature and the inclusion of OK2SAY funds in the Department of Attorney General budget for this coming year," said Schuette. "OK2SAY is vital to school safety in Michigan, and every dollar dedicated to this initiative keeps Michigan kids safe."
The key features of OK2SAY include:
In-school Programming-Thirty-one specialized OK2SAY presenters visit schools around the state to encourage students to step up, speak out, and report anything that threatens their safety or the safety of others.
Confidential Reporting-State law protects the confidentiality of the reporter's identity. The identity of the reporting party will not be disclosed to local law enforcement, school officials, or the person about whom a tip is offered, unless the reporter voluntarily chooses to disclose his or her identity. If the reporter is a minor, the parent or guardian must also consent.
Comprehensive Technology-Anyone can confidentially submit tips 24/7 using any of the five tip methods detailed below. Multi-media attachments like photos, videos, and links to additional information are encouraged.
Coordinated Intervention-Upon receipt of a tip, specially trained OK2SAY technicians at the Michigan State Police screen and forward tips to an appropriate responding agency including: local law enforcement, schools, local community mental health organizations, or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Accountability-Each responding organization is asked to complete an Outcome Report detailing the nature of the tip, how the tip was handled, and whether the tip situation was resolved or requires ongoing attention. This provides local entities an opportunity to illustrate that student safety threats are tracked and taken seriously.
OK2SAY tips can be submitted through the following ways:
- Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, 855-565-2729.
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY).
- Email: ok2say@mi.gov.
- Web: ok2say.com.
- OK2SAY Mobile App: Available for download in app stores for iPhone and Android.
Published: Tue, Jul 10, 2018
