As students return to the classroom, Michigan officials are reminding families about OK2SAY, a confidential tip line that lets students report concerns about potential harm, security concerns, or risky activity at their school.
The program has received more than 78,000 tips since launching in 2014. Last year, it logged 10,777 tips, the second-highest total in its history.
“Students often know what’s happening in their schools long before adults do, and OK2SAY empowers them to report concerns directly and confidentially,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “These tips have undoubtedly helped save lives and prevent violence.”
A U.S. Secret Service study found that in 81% of violent school incidents, someone other than the attacker knew about the plan beforehand but didn’t report it. OK2SAY keeps the tipster’s identity confidential to remove that barrier.
Tips can cover a wide range of concerns, including bullying, drugs, weapons, planned fights or attacks, self-harm, and threats against a student or school. Students, parents, teachers, or any concerned individual can submit a tip confidentially. Once a tip comes in, OK2SAY technicians review it and forward it to the appropriate school, law enforcement agency, or mental health resource for investigation and response.
MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II said the program continues to give students the confidence to speak up when something feels wrong.
Officials are also reminding schools to register an official’s emergency after-hours contact information, which must be updated twice a year to help facilitate communication among school personnel.
OK2SAY is available statewide for public and nonpublic schools. Anyone who receives a threat or knows of a threat of violence should contact local law enforcement or call 911. Non-emergency tips can be submitted via OK2SAY in the following ways:
- Phone: 855-565-2729
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
- Email: [email protected]
- Submit a tip directly: ok2say.state.mi.us
- The OK2SAY mobile app:
Learn more about the OK2SAY program: michigan.gov/ok2say
