DES MOINES, Iowa — The Governor’s School Safety Bureau has had a busy year. Already, 22 tips have been sent to the bureau about possible trouble in Iowa schools, and 25 tips have been sent to law enforcement about possible school events. Eleven people have been charged in events at school.
The School Safety Bureau has an app called Safe and Sound that people can use if they have seen or heard something that could be dangerous.
“History tells us that someone knew when there was violence in schools,” said Matt Anderson of the School Safety Bureau. “This lets people report what they see on social media and let us know if their friends are having a hard time.” Things like suicidal ideas, violence threats, and drug use are all things that could be happening. In other words, you can send in any kind of tip.
The School Safety Bureau has given schools radio systems that let them talk to local police directly.
Anderson said, “Last year, we gave out over 1,200 emergency radios in school districts across Iowa. These radios are a way for people in an emergency to talk to police directly.” “That can definitely make it take longer for us to get to the scene of an emergency.”
There is still time for school systems that want that radio to apply for one this year.
“We really need parents to help us, so don’t be afraid to talk to your kids about these things,” Anderson said. “Ask them how their day was when they get home from school. You never know, if you talk to them now, you might be able to stop something later.”
For more information about the Governor’s School Safety Bureau, click here.