Indiana starting anonymous school safety tip line in January

State officials are planning to launch an anonymous tip line regarding safety concerns that will be available for all K-12 schools starting in January.

The line will be monitored 24 hours a day year-round as part of what will be a $1 million investment to ensure all schools have access to a platform for reporting possible safety issues, the governor’s office announced Friday.

Enrollment in the program is optional and will be offered to all schools at no cost.

“Students, staff and families will be able to anonymously report bullying, threats, violence or concerns about someone who may be struggling,” Gov. Mike Braun said. “Every Hoosier student deserves a safe place to learn. So, if you’re worried about yourself or someone else, speak up.”

The state’s Office of School Safety will hold outreach and education sessions with schools about the program over the coming months.

“Safety concerns do not stop when the school day ends,” Office of School Safety Director Julie Smith said. “This will provide 24/7/365 monitoring by trained safety specialists, with urgent concerns escalated to designated school officials and emergency responders when necessary.”

Braun created the Office of School Safety last year as part of his public safety agenda. The new office absorbed Indiana’s Secured School Safety Board in overseeing millions of dollars in annual safety grants awarded to schools.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita operates a separate anonymous reporting system — Eyes on Education — that focuses on alleged inappropriate curriculum or staff actions. It includes issues involving LGBTQ+, so-called critical race theory, discrimination and Charlie Kirk comments.