HOLT, Mich. — Ten years ago, the program OK2SAY launched in Michigan. Leaders say it's still needed in our state.
“At a time when there are so many reasons not to trust so many things, that kids trust OK2SAY is a marker of success in this program for its first 10 years,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
Gilchrist was joined by Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady in Holt on Monday to talk about the impacts of the confidential reporting program.
The program allows students to anonymously report threats through text message, phone calls, email and smart phone apps.
Grady says it's given students the opportunity to report situations that feel unsafe and help law enforcement agencies do their jobs better.
“It gives the student the perfect platform to be the call make that confidential contact with somebody to get the help that that can be used here for the school, whether it's us a faculty member, we just want the information,” said Grady.
This anniversary comes on the heels of several threats made to schools in West Michigan.
In the last several weeks, schools like Jenison Public Schools, Three Rivers Community Schools and Byron Center Public Schools have had to cancel class because of threats.
While these and other threats may have not resulted in acts of violence, it's still important students continue to use the program.
"Sixty thousand tips have come in in these last 10 years, and we hope that students continue to have the confidence in it to use the system going forward. We wanted to bring attention to that this is a resource at a time when things can be so chaotic." Said Gilchrist.