Latest news with #OK2SAY
CBS News
05-08-2025
- CBS News
Michigan's OK2SAY school safety hotline reports record number of tips in 2024
A State of Michigan school safety hotline reports it received a record number of messages and calls during 2024. The OK2SAY project is now in its 10th year, having launched in 2014. This is a confidential tip line that anyone can use, 24/7, to report potential harmful or criminal activities involving students. Information then goes the appropriate school officials, school resource officers, law enforcement, crisis lines or other agencies. Every public and private school in Michigan is required to have at least one emergency contact person registered with the program. OK2SAY is overseen by Michigan State Police and was called for in the Michigan Student Safety Act of 2013. The program's 2024 report was presented Monday, citing 11,671 tips received. Because some tips from multiple people are related to the same circumstances, there were 8,952 total incidents tracked. This is a 20% increase in calls from the year before. Of those contacts, 25 tips resulted in the confiscation of weapons and 228 tips resulted in the seizure of drugs or alcohol. In addition, 343 schools conducted a behavior or suicide threat assessment as a result of an OK2SAY tip. The cost to run the program during 2024 was $1.64 million. Promotion for the OK2SAY program includes public service announcements that students are invited to produce, marketing at education conferences and information booths at Michigan High School Athletic Association events. "This isn't just about reporting concerns; it's about fostering a culture of courage," MSP director, Col. James F. Grady II said in his statement. "Every tip, every act of speaking up, is a testament to a student's commitment to their community. It's a student saying, 'I care, and I want to make a difference.' This courage is the very foundation of safer schools and stronger communities." The top five topics among the 25 categories tracked by Michigan State Police, and the numbers recorded, are: OK2SAY can receive tips through its mobile app, its website, email, text messaging and phone calls. The above video first aired on Sept. 16, 2024.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
To The Point: What's next in the state Legislature
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On this 'To The Point,' negotiating the new reality of the House and advancing school safety. 'The House hasn't taken up a Senate bill, the Senate hasn't taken up a House bill, so it's a new experience for me in the Legislature. It's very, very slow. I'm trying to get accustomed to that,' state Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, said. State Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, talks about school safety bills passed that have been years in the making. 'I think the best way to describe it is communication and training. So, we're working with the OK2SAY system to make sure the kids feel comfortable with it. They have the number on their ID cards, so they can call it,' he said. Keeping up on what's next in the Legislature on this 'To The Point' episode for the weekend of May 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies: Teen arrested after school threat on Snapchat
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A 14-year-old Kentwood student was taken into custody Monday after an investigation regarding a threatening post online, deputies say. The Kent County Sheriff's Office says it got a tip Sunday through Michigan's school safety tip line, OK2SAY, about a threat made on Snapchat. Authorities say the post contained a 'specific threat' to Pinewood Middle School. Deputies launched an investigation, which led them to the 14-year-old. They searched the teen's home and said no guns were found. OK2SAY saw 31% increase in reporting in 2023 The teen was taken to the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. Deputies urged parents to talk with their kids about the consequences of online threats and about reporting such threats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
