>> Back to School with Safe2Tell (08/2006)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

In 2005, the Sheriff's Office partnered with the Colorado Office of the Attorney General to bring the Safe2Tell program to our schools.  Safe2Tell, part of Colorado Crime Stoppers, provides a safe and easy way for students to report information about anything that is a concern to school or community safety.  Kids know long before adults what's going on in their schools; this program can aid school staff and law enforcement officers in preventing crime and getting help for students who may need it.

Safe2Tell was developed by The Colorado Trust to break the code of silence in schools.  Fear of retaliation and peer pressure can often deter students from speaking out about problems in their schools.  The Safe2Tell program allows students the option of anonymity.  There is no caller ID on the Safe2Tell lines, and callers do not have to give their name, phone number or any identifying information if they choose not to.

Reasons to Call
Students can call for many different reasons, including: alcohol abuse; animal cruelty, assault, bullying, child abuse, domestic violence, drugs, explosives, fighting, fire starting, gangs, graffiti, guns, harassment, hate crimes, knives, planned fights, sexual abuse, stealing, suicide threats, suspicious activity, taunting, threats, unsafe situations and vandalism.

Safe2Tell is also available for use by teachers, parents, and students' families – anyone who needs to report a concern but wants to remain anonymous.

How to Call
To use Safe2Tell, dial the toll-free hotline: 1-877-542-7233.  Trained communications specialists answer Safe2Tell calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The caller does not have to provide his or her name; instead, he or she will be assigned a code number.  Each tip is documented and assigned to the appropriate school officials, law enforcement agency, or both.  Each tip is tracked and monitored.

Rollout
During the 2005-2006 school year, the program was introduced to students in several middle schools and one high school in unincorporated Jefferson County.  The Sheriff's Office hopes that by the end of this school year, all students in unincorporated schools will have had assemblies on Safe2Tell to familiarize them with the program.  We are working with principals to schedule these important gatherings.

Whether or not a student has had instruction on the Safe2Tell program, all are welcome and encouraged to use the hotline whenever they think it might help.  As your children return to school this fall, talk to them about Safe2Tell and reasons why they might use it.  Having a safe and anonymous method for reporting serious concerns can help us all make our schools safer.  For more information, visit www.safe2tell.org.

Sheriff Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: May 20, 2009 10:56 AM