“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

1. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

2. Why We Are Making it Safe2Tell … April 20, 1999 15 Dead 23 Wounded

3. Secret Service Safe School Initiative Threat Assessment Study: In 81% of violent incidents in U.S. schools, someone other than the attacker knew it was going to happen but failed to report it. “As part of its protective responsibilities, the United States Secret Service has long held the view that the best protective strategy is prevention.” – www.secretservice.gov

4. How Safe2Tell Works • Students, parents or teachers call 1-877-542-SAFE or go to www.safe2tell.org • Calls answered 24/7 at Colorado State Patrol Communications Center • Anonymity preserved by CO State Law and operational safeguards • Reports are forwarded to schools, law enforcement or both • All valid reports are investigated • Outcome responses tracked by Safe2Tell “We would not have known about this incident without the information we received from Safe2Tell.” - School Counselor

5. May 2007: Governor Bill Ritter signs the Safe2Tell Bill which protects the anonymity of reporting parties by state law

6. Secret Service By-Stander Study “Schools are encouraged to develop policies that address the many aspects of reporting a threat” • Schools should ensure a climate in which students feel comfortable sharing information they have regarding a potentially threatening situation with a responsible adult. • School districts are encouraged to develop policies that address the many aspects of reporting a threat. • Teachers, administrators, and other faculty should be trained on how to properly respond to students who provide them with information about a threatening or disturbing situation, as well as how to deal with actual threats.

7. How We Are Making it Safe2Tell Information Sharing is Required by CO State Law

8. Benefits of Safe2Tell • Breaks the Code of Silence • Reduces Liability • Serves as a Deterrent • Not “If” – but “When” • Preparedness & Planning • Evidence Based Programs

9. What the Research Says About Safe Schools & Academic Performance • Lesser Rates of Dropout • Higher Test Scores • Greater Gains in Academic Performance over time • CSPV 2006 (Controlling for grade in school, race, ethnic composition, % subsidized meals, average parent education, % ESL students) “Early intervention is critical in the life of a child who is exhibiting behaviors identified as precursors to violence. Safe2Tell provides a tool to intervene in a proactive way” Dr. Delbert Elliott, Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence

10. How YOU Can Make a Difference: • Educate your family about safety issues & S2T • Add 877-542-SAFE to your cell phones • Link www.safe2tell.org to your web page or blog • Support S2T through donations and volunteerism • When a dangerous or threatening situation • arises … MAKE THE CALL

11. Please Contact For More Information info@safe2tell.org www.safe2tell.org 719.520.7435