“Our lives begin to end the day we become
silent about things that matter.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Why We Are Making it Safe2Tell …
April 20, 1999
15 Dead
23 Wounded
Secret Service Safe School Initiative
Threat Assessment Study:
In 81% of violent incidents in U.S.
schools, someone other than the
attacker knew it was going to
happen but failed to report it.
“As part of its protective responsibilities,
the United States Secret Service has long
held the view that the best protective
strategy is prevention.”
– www.secretservice.gov
How Safe2Tell Works
• Students, parents or teachers call 1-877-542-SAFE or go to
www.safe2tell.org
• Calls answered 24/7 at Colorado State Patrol Communications Center
• Anonymity preserved by CO State Law and operational safeguards
• Reports are forwarded to schools, law enforcement or both
• All valid reports are investigated
• Outcome responses tracked by Safe2Tell
“We would not have
known about this
incident without the
information we received
from Safe2Tell.”
- School Counselor
May 2007:
Governor Bill
Ritter signs the
Safe2Tell Bill
which protects
the anonymity of
reporting parties
by state law
Secret Service By-Stander Study
“Schools are encouraged to develop policies that
address the many aspects of reporting a threat”
1. Schools should ensure a climate in which students feel comfortable sharing
information they have regarding a potentially threatening situation with a responsible
adult.
2. School districts are encouraged to develop policies that address the many aspects of
reporting a threat.
3. Teachers, administrators, and other faculty should be trained on how to properly
respond to students who provide them with information about a threatening or
disturbing situation, as well as how to deal with actual threats.
How We Are Making it
Safe2Tell
Education
& Training
Information
Sharing is
Required by
CO State Law
Accountability
& Follow-Up
Prevention
Awareness
Schools
Parents
Law
Community
Early
Intervention
Benefits of Safe2Tell
• Breaks the Code of Silence
• Reduces Liability
• Serves as a Deterrent
• Not “If” – but “When”
• Preparedness & Planning
• Evidence Based Programs
What the Research Says About Safe
Schools & Academic Performance
Lesser Rates of Dropout
Higher Test Scores
Greater Gains in Academic Performance over time
CSPV 2006 (Controlling for grade in school, race, ethnic composition, % subsidized meals, average parent
education, % ESL students)
“Early intervention is critical in the life of a child who is
exhibiting behaviors identified as precursors to violence.
Safe2Tell provides a tool to intervene in a proactive way”
Dr. Delbert Elliott, Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence
How YOU Can Make a Difference:
 Educate your family about safety issues & S2T
 Add 877-542-SAFE to your cell phones
 Link www.safe2tell.org to your web page or blog
Support S2T through donations and volunteerism
 When a dangerous or threatening situation
arises … MAKE THE CALL
Please Contact For More Information
info@safe2tell.org
www.safe2tell.org
719.520.7435