LANSING, MI – In a significant milestone, Michigan’s acclaimed student safety initiative, OK2SAY, has reported its highest number of incident tips in the program’s history, according to its 2023 Annual Report. Launched nearly a decade ago, OK2SAY allows individuals to confidentially report criminal activities or threatening behaviors targeting students, schools, and school employees in Michigan. The latest report highlights a 31% increase in tips compared to 2022, underscoring the program’s growing impact on school safety.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of continued investment in mental health and safety programs for students. “As we see increasing reports of suicide, bullying, drugs, assault, and self-harm, we must keep investing in mental support for our kids,” said Whitmer. “Michigan’s OK2SAY program focuses 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.”
The 2023 report reveals that OK2SAY received 9,686 tips across 30 categories, with the top five concerns being:
1. Bullying – 1,769 tips
2. Suicide – 1,482 tips
3. Drugs – 1,286 tips
4. Sexual assault/misconduct/exploitation – 815 tips
5. Threats (e.g., an expression intended to cause pain or injury to a specific individual rather than a school building) – 741 tips
Additionally, the report noted 24 tips involving weapon confiscations and 77 tips leading to drug or alcohol seizures. A notable outcome of these reports includes 236 schools conducting comprehensive behavioral threat assessments and/or suicide assessments based on OK2SAY tips.
Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), praised the program’s impact, stating, “The Michigan State Police is proud of the positive impact OK2SAY is having in improving safety within our schools. 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.”
OK2SAY operates 24/7, offering multiple ways to submit tips:
– Call: 855-565-2729
– Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
– Email: OK2SAY@mi.gov
– Website: www.ok2say.com
– Mobile App: Available for iPhone and Android in app stores
Michigan law mandates that every public and nonpublic school provide the MSP with at least one school official’s emergency contact information biannually, ensuring swift communication in emergencies. Schools can report or update contact information through the designated reporting system.
The OK2SAY program is managed by the MSP Grants and Community Services Division, Office of School Safety (OSS). Established under Public Act 435 of 2018, the OSS collaborates with the Michigan Department of Education to enhance school safety. Their efforts include developing model practices for school safety, engaging with local law enforcement to assess school buildings, applying for federal funds to reduce school violence, and supporting the School Safety Commission in making safety recommendations.
With the continued success and expansion of OK2SAY, Michigan remains committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for all K-12 students, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.
