OSP launches ‘SafeOregon’ school safety tip line
Oregon State Police announced Tuesday the availability of SafeOregon, a new school safety tip line program offered to all public K-12 schools across the state, at no cost to use.
SafeOregon requires schools to complete a sign-up process in order for students to useit.
OSP said, “SafeOregon is a way for students, staff or other members of the public to anonymously report and share confidential information of a threat or a potential threat to student safety.”
Trained staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, reached through a phone call, text message, mobile application or website, OSP said.
“The main goal of SafeOregon is to intervene at the earliest possible point in the life of a young person who is struggling, helping them when they need it, before the situation turns into a tragedy,” the agency said in its announcement.
“SafeOregon is designed to encourage Oregon students to share and respond to anything that threatens their safety or the safety of others, anything that makes a student feel unsafe or if a student knows someone who feels unsafe,” the news release continued.
OSP offered up a few examples of how it could be used: safety threats, violence, threats of violence, fights, drugs, alcohol, weapons, bullying or friends that talk about hurting themselves, harassment, intimidation, cyber bullying, or self-harm.
“Schools should be safe places for children to learn, educators to teach, and for communities to gather,” Governor Kate Brown said. “We can all do our part through the SafeOregon tip line to share information about potential threats to student safety. This important statewide resource is a direct result of the recommendations of the Oregon Task Force on School Safety, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to improving the safety and security of our Oregon schools.”
“To all Oregon students, I want to encourage you to make courageous decisions to break the code of silence and speak out against harmful behaviors before they turn to tragedy”, said state Superintendent Travis Hampton. “We can make a difference in our schools and communities and we are committed to creating a safe and respectful culture to support you.”
Tips can be submitted 24/7/365 through the SafeOregon.com web portal, by e-mail to tip@safeoregon.com , through the SafeOregon mobile application (available for android or iOS devices) or by calling or texting 844-472-3367 .
Tips are promptly analyzed and routed for the most appropriate follow-up and urgency, OSP said. This may be to school officials, law enforcement, community mental health programs or other appropriate local or state agencies. Tip Line staff make sure follow-up is noted and recorded.
SafeOregon — the school safety tip line — became Law through HB 4075 (2016), as a result of recommendations from the Oregon Task Force on School Safety charged with improving safety and security at schools across the state.
The task force was established by House Bill 4087, bringing together representatives from police, fire, school administration, teachers, school boards and service districts, along with the Governor’s education and public safety policy advisors and legislators. The task force is chaired by Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts and Dr. David Novotney of the Willamette Education Service District.
For more information, visit safeoregon.com. The resource page has more information for students, parents and for schools to sign up. OSP encouraged students and parents to talk to their school administration about making SafeOregon available in their school.
Additionally, OSP noted that it is a violation of ORS165.570 to improperly use the SafeOregon system
