A new safety tip line to anonymously report threats to student safety has launched for all Oregon public schools to use.
SafeOregon is a tip line for public K-12 schools to use at no cost. Parents, students and staff can download the app, text or call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Bill Fugate, Public Information Officer with Oregon State Police, says the main goal of SafeOregon is to intervene as early as possible for a young person who’s struggling before a situation turns tragic. That includes everything from bullying and assaults, to suicide interventions and school shootings.
Fugate says the tips go through Oregon State Police dispatch centers where trained staff is available to be reached through a call, text, the SafeOregon mobile app or website. Each school district that signs up will be working with their own local mental health programs, law enforcement, school officials and any other state or local agencies.
Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, says this is an important statewide source is a direct result of the recommendations of the Oregon Task Force on School Safety to improve the safety and security of Oregon schools.
The task force was established by House Bill 4087, bringing together police, fire, school administrators, teachers, school boards and service districts, as well as the Governor’s education and public safety policy advisors, and legislators.
Tips can be submitted through the SafeOregon.com website, by email to tip@safeoregon.com, through the SafeOregon mobile app, or by call or text to 844-472-3364. For more information and to sign up, visit safeoregon.com.