Article Summary –
Michigan’s OK2SAY school safety program received a record 9,686 tips in 2023, marking a 31% increase from the previous year, with the most common reports involving bullying, suicide, drugs, sexual misconduct, and violent threats. The program, established under the 2013 Michigan Student Safety Act, allows confidential reporting of threats and criminal activities, which has enabled early intervention by school officials and law enforcement, leading to safer school environments. Since its inception, OK2SAY has received 50,048 tips, with recent investigations uncovering serious threats such as a planned school shooting, and prompting actions like weapon confiscations and mental health support.
Michigan’s official school safety program OK2SAY reported its highest number of tips in 2023 since its inception a decade ago, according to a new report.
OK2SAY, managed by the Michigan State Police, was established under the 2013 Michigan Student Safety Act to allow confidential reports of criminal activities or threats towards Michigan students, schools, or staff through a 24/7 tip line.
The program was inspired by a 2004 U.S. Secret Service and Department of Education study on school violence that found most attackers exhibited concerning behavior beforehand, and someone often knew about the plan but didn’t report it.
The Michigan State Police stated that the rise in OK2SAY tips has led to safer schools, as it allows early intervention by school officials and law enforcement.
“The Michigan State Police is proud of OK2SAY’s impact on school safety,” said MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II. “OK2SAY is more than a hotline; it’s a lifeline. The willingness of students to report concerns is making a significant difference.”
In 2023, OK2SAY received 9,686 tips regarding 7,799 incidents, a 31% increase from the previous year.
The tips covered 30 categories, with the top five being: bullying (1,769 tips), suicide (1,482 tips), drugs (1,286 tips), sexual misconduct (815 tips), and violent threats (741 tips).
Before receiving an OK2SAY tip, 70% of school officials and law enforcement were unaware of the issues.
Interventions often included notifying parents or school counselors. The report noted that 24 tips led to weapon confiscation.
One notable tip involved a student planning a shooting similar to the 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University. After securing a court order, law enforcement found evidence on the student’s devices and removed firearms from their home.
“As reports of suicide, bullying, drugs, and self-harm rise, we must invest in mental support for our kids,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Michigan’s OK2SAY program focuses on violence intervention and prevention to keep kids safe at home, school, and in the community.”
Since 2014, OK2SAY has received 50,048 tips.
—
Read More Michigan News
