As part of the Safe Schools Initiative Louisiana Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley announces the launch of the “Say It Here” app. Brumley said the app allows middle and high school students the ability to anonymously report crime and in many cases be proactive.
“In the vast majority of school shootings, someone other than the attacker knew of the plan before it happened. Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs,” said Brumley.
The app is in partnership with Greater New Orleans Crimestoppers, Louisiana State Police, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The app also provides mental health resources like a hotline for students who are bullied or victims of crime. Brumley explains how tips are handled once they are submitted on the app.
“Professionally trained security operators filed the tips, 24/7. Once a tip is vetted proper representatives are notified and, in an emergency, safe school team members are contacted for an immediate response,” said Brumley.
He said it follows the best practices and procedures for operating national anonymous student hotlines like the Sandy Hook Promise.
Presently 40 Louisiana school systems are already participating which equates to some 500 middle and high schools. Brumley said it’s important to give students the ability to say something when they see something.
“If something doesn’t seem right, they have the ability to report that in an anonymous structured way,” said Brumley.
For schools to participate Brumley said it can be done in as easily as two weeks. An initial memorandum of understanding must be executed and then training for school staff and students.
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