The Michigan State Police recently shared a significant increase in the report volume for OK2SAY, the state's confidential student safety tipline. According to the program’s 2024 Annual Report, there was a 20% jump in the number of tips received, totaling a record 11,671 for the year. This marks the highest level of reporting since OK2SAY was launched in 2014, emphasizing the program's essential role in supporting student safety and mental health. "The Michigan State Police is proud to champion OK2SAY," Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, said in a statement released by the MSP Newsroom. "This isn't just about reporting concerns; it's about fostering a culture of courage."
The detailed breakdown in the report highlights bullying, suicide, and other mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, and depression as the most common tips submitted. Bullying topped the list with 2,005 reports, followed closely by suicide concerns at 1,608. Drugs, sexual assault, misconduct, and exploitation were also significant issues reported by students. The importance of the program is further underscored by 228 tips leading to the seizure of drugs or alcohol, while the confiscation of weapons was noted in 25 incidents.
OK2SAY operates round the clock, allowing students to submit tips via phone calls, texts, email, an online website, or through a dedicated mobile app. In fulfilling a mandate from Michigan law, public and nonpublic schools must provide emergency contact information to the Michigan State Police biannually, which can be updated through the MSP website.
Further underscoring the necessity of such programs, 343 schools were called to action with either a comprehensive behavioral threat assessment or a suicide assessment due to an OK2SAY tip, as detailed in the annual report. The Office of School Safety (OSS) within the MSP, created by Public Act 435 of 2018, remains committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life for K-12 students by working closely with the Michigan Department of Education and local law enforcement agencies, as mentioned in the MSP news release.
