OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine announced improvements to the Safer Ohio School Tip Line in an effort to make it easier to report school safety concerns.
While Ohioans already had the capability to call or text the tip line at (844) 723-3764, there’s now an option for concerns to be reported through a new app and online web form.
“Not everyone wants to make a phone call or send a text — some are more likely to report concerns by sending a message through an app or website,” said DeWine. “We’re making these upgrades so that it’s as simple as possible for all Ohioans to quickly and anonymously report any potential school safety threats in a manner that makes them comfortable.”
In addition, the tip line will be newly staffed by crisis response professionals.
“Intelligence analysts previously manned the tip line, but we felt that it was important to staff the call center with individuals experienced in helping those with immediate mental health needs,” said Emily Torok, Ohio School Safety Center executive director. “Now, instead of referring those who need urgent help to other sources of support, crisis response professionals with the Safer Ohio School Tip Line can immediately provide intervention support and notify first responders to conduct a wellness check.”
The call center is staffed by a multilingual team who are fluent in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, German and Arabic. The team now also has a telephonic language translation for other languages, like Chinese, Japanese, Pennsylvania Dutch, Somali, Twi and Vietnamese.
Concerns that can be submitted to the tip line include:
- Bullying
- Withdrawn behaviors
- Verbal or written threats
- Hazing
- Weapons/suspicious devices on or near school grounds
- Gang-related activities
- Unusual behavior among students or staff
- Self-harm sentiments
Anyone who reports tips has the option to remain anonymous.
