LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s student safety program, OK2SAY, has reported its highest ever number of incidents in its 2023 Annual Report, marking nearly a decade since its inception.
OK2SAY enables individuals to anonymously report criminal activities or threats aimed at Michigan students, schools, and staff. The 2023 report indicates a 31% surge in reports compared to 2022.
MORE NEWS: Detroit School’s Office of Inspector General Uncovered $3.5M in Fraud in 2023-24
“As we see increasing reports of suicide, bullying, drugs, assault, and self-harm, we must keep investing in mental support for our kids,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Michigan’s OK2SAY programs focus on violence intervention and prevention to keep kids safe at home, at school, and in the community. We know that lives have been saved, school violence has been prevented, and many Michigan students have received the support they need because of the OK2SAY program and the record, bipartisan investments we have made in campus safety and mental health. Together, let’s keep prioritizing our kids and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”
Record number of tips in 2023.
The 2023 OK2SAY Annual Report recorded 9,686 tips across 30 categories. The top five were:
- Bullying – 1,769 tips
- Suicide – 1,482 tips
- Drugs – 1,286 tips
- Sexual assault/misconduct/exploitation – 815 tips
- Threats – 741 tips
Additionally, there were 24 tips leading to weapon confiscation and 77 tips resulting in the seizure of drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, 236 schools conducted behavioral threat assessments or suicide assessments following an OK2SAY tip.
“The Michigan State Police is proud of the positive impact OK2SAY is having in improving safety within our schools,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “OK2SAY is more than a hotline. It is a lifeline. The willingness of students to step up and speak out when they are concerned about their safety or the safety of another is making a profound and positive difference.”
Reporting methods and legal requirements.
OK2SAY operates 24/7, accepting tips via phone at 855-565-2729, text at 652729, email at OK2SAY@mi.gov, the website www.ok2say.com, or the mobile app available for iPhone and Android. Michigan law mandates that every public and nonpublic school provide the MSP with at least one school official’s emergency contact information biannually, which can be updated on the OK2SAY website.
OK2SAY outreach and impact.
MORE NEWS: Give a Pet a Home for the Holidays at Michigan’s Reduced-Fee Adoption Event
Housed within the MSP Grants and Community Services Division, Office of School Safety (OSS), OK2SAY aims to create secure learning environments. Established under Public Act 435 of 2018, the OSS collaborates with the Michigan Department of Education to develop school safety practices, seek federal funding, and support the School Safety Commission.
In 2023, OK2SAY conducted 891 presentations, reaching 141,977 attendees. Feedback from school personnel shows that 93% would recommend an OK2SAY presentation.
Lives saved and violence prevented.
Reports from school and law enforcement professionals confirm significant interventions resulting from OK2SAY tips. Outcome reports reveal that 87% of tip information was sufficient to start an investigation, 70% of issues were previously unknown to authorities, and 88% of respondents found OK2SAY useful.
OK2SAY remains a vital tool in preventing violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of Michigan students. The program’s success underscores the importance of community involvement and proactive measures in safeguarding our schools.
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.