Safer Ohio

Safer Ohio School Tip Line

Westfall Local Schools

October 4, 2023

Safer Ohio School Tip Line Makes Significant Improvements

Tip Line

What has changed?

  • New Reporting Options: Tips can now be reported through calling, texting, using the new Safer Ohio School Tip Line app, or using the new web form. 
  • Multiple Users: Schools determine who receives notification of tips, and those people have access to a dashboard where they can read the tips, provide updates, and report actions taken. 
  • Immediate Notification: Tips can be received by multiple people, and the system has text and email options for notifications. 
  • Crisis Response: The tip line will now be answered by crisis response professionals who will be able to assist someone through a crisis.
  • Accessibility: Tips can now be received in 10 different languages.
  • Case Management: The dashboard allows for easy auditing and annual reporting of tips to comply with Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.6610 requirements. 
  • Faster Processing: Tips will be directed to the county 911 centers if the tip warrants law enforcement intervention. They will no longer be contacted by the state fusion center when a tip comes in.

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What has stayed the same?

Availability: The tip line continues to function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Free: The tip line continues to be a free resource available to all Ohio schools, both public and private.

Security Records: Data collected by the Safer Ohio School Tip Line or any anonymous reporting system are security records and are not public records pursuant to section 149.433 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Reminders

  • The OSSC is requesting that all schools have their contact information in the system regardless of what tip line service they use to ensure that if a tip is received, it gets to them in a timely manner.
  • Having your contact information in the system does not impact your ability to use a different tip line provider.  
  • Marketing and education to students and staff about what to report to the tip line and how to do it is vital to a successful anonymous reporting solution.
  • Creating a positive culture of reporting where students trust that if something is reported, the administration will do something about it is also important.