CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi Independent School District is taking action to support students and staff safety by launching a tipline.
The SpeakUp for Safety anonymous tipline will add new features to the district website's "Report Bully" button. In the past, the button housed a form used solely to file bullying complaints. The new system will now allow users to report threats of violence, peers in crisis and other safety concerns.
“This tipline is something that someone, you know, a lot of times we feel like we want to help but we don’t know how," said Leanne Libby, CCISD chief communications officer. "And so, see something say something—that's not a new concept, right? And so, we’re really wanting to encourage folks to really take a part in helping us with safety.”
The new tipline feature will be ready for use on the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 3, Gaggle created the program which also includes 24/7 monitoring services.
“There are many kids, especially at the elementary level, that might not feel comfortable telling an adult," said Delma Bernal, director of admissions, attendance and student support services at CCISD. "And so, we want them to know that they have this option now to, you know, all three ways to get ahold of someone, someone is there to help.”
When the tips are submitted they are quickly sent to the designated district staff members. In urgent situations, the district contacts will be immediately be notified. If the tips show immediate danger and monitors are unable to notify an appointed contact, the local law enforcement will take action.
“It’s an anonymous tip line and it’s more than bullying, it’s for anything," said Kirby Warnke, CCISD Police Department chief. "So, if there’s some criminal activity out there, some suspicious behavior, people can speak up—which is what it’s called—and then let us know. And then we can begin the investigative process.”
Tips may be submitted via phone calls, text messages or through the district's website. In the coming days, detailed information on accessing he tipline will be shared.
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