Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line Offers Two-Way Anonymity

• NCJ Number: 253525
• Author(s): Becky Lewis
• Date Published: September 2019
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K404
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description; Instructional Material
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

This TECHBeat article in the September 2019 issue describes the features of the new Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line, which features state-wide swift attention to school-safety tips from the appropriate school administrator or law enforcement agency.

Abstract

The tip line, which was launched in October 2018, can be accessed by students, parents, school staff, and community residents through a phone number, the internet, or a free mobile app. Public schools in all 24 Maryland counties have signed on to the tip line. The Maryland Center for School Safety is also working to engage the state's private schools. Using this state tip line guarantees quicker access to a wider array of services and saves school systems money. Trained staff work with the tip line and are familiar with the various resources available in the state's counties. Tips have been effective in administering mental health services to those who are battling depression or other emotional difficulties. Other tips have enabled authorities to prevent planned fights. Bullying, which often precedes violent responses at schools, has also been addressed. Each tip is linked with a log-in ID number rather than a telephone number or a person's name, so as to ensure anonymity.