This article, part of the special issue of TECHBeat, posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site, discusses a text-to-tip program for use by students in Somerset, KY, schools.
Following the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, in December of 2012, new efforts are being focused on the issue of school safety and how to keep children and adults safe in school settings. This article, "See-Hear-Report" Reaches Out to Somerset Students, is part of a special issue of TECHBeat posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site. The article discusses the use of an anonymous text-to-tip program for use by students and teachers in the more than 20 schools located in Somerset, KY. The program, Tipsoft, is a service used by agencies across the country. The service provides anonymity and confidentiality to students while at the same time allowing law enforcement to track the information through its system to ensure that all tips receive the necessary follow-up. The intent of the program is to prevent the occurrence of any tragic event by encouraging students to report their suspicions without fear of retaliation. The Somerset Police Department also conducts active shooter training for its officers to prepare for an incident like what occurred at Columbine or Sandy Hook.