News Photo by Reagan Voetberg A person holds a phone displaying the OK2SAY website where anonymous tips can be sent.

ALPENA — Speaking up when a friend or loved one is in a dangerous situation can be difficult, especially for students.

The Michigan State Police released their 2024 OK2SAY annual report on Monday.

The OK2SAY program launched in 2014, according to the 2024 report. The program aims to empower Michigan students to help prevent violence and make their schools safer. OK2SAY is a hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for students to report incidents directed at students, school employees, or schools in the state. Incidents include potential self-harm, harm to others, or criminal acts including but not limited to sexual abuse, assault, or rape. The program protects the confidentiality of a reporter’s identity.

The student safety tipline reported a 20% surge in tip volume compared to the previous year, according to the program’s 2024 annual report. With an unprecedented 11,671 tips received, the program has reached its highest reporting level since its inception in 2014, underscoring the vital role it plays in safeguarding Michigan’s youth.

In 2024, OK2SAY logged 11,671 tips regarding 8,952 associated incidents. Tips can be sent by multiple individuals about the same incident.

The top two types of tips sent in 2024 were bullying and suicide, at 2,005 and 1,608 tips respectively, according to the report. Other categories with high volumes of tips include drugs at 1,301 tips and sexual assault/misconduct/exploitation at 1,059 tips.

Additionally, 343 schools conducted a comprehensive behavioral threat assessment and/or a suicide assessment because of an OK2SAY tip.

Michigan State Police Alpena Post Community Service Trooper Jason Kunath said that OK2SAY is a great resource since it is completely confidential. Students do not have to worry about being called out for tattletaling or snitching by their peers, or being seen asking a teacher or trusted adult for help.

If a friend tells them something concerning and asks them not to tell anyone, the student can report it anonymously and not be pulled into an investigation should it come to that, Kunath said.

The annual report also included an analysis of outcome reports, which are submitted by school officials and law enforcement after a tip investigation.

A total of 3,826 outcome reports were submitted in 2024. Around 86% of reports confirmed that the information in the tip was sufficient to initiate an investigation. In addition, 70% of respondents were previously unaware of the issue before receiving the OK2SAY tip, underscoring the program’s vital role in uncovering hidden concerns. A total of 85% of respondents found OK2SAY a valuable and essential tool in promoting safety and well-being.

“The Michigan State Police is proud to champion OK2SAY, a program that transforms students into active partners in their own safety,” Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, said in a press release. “That’s the power of OK2SAY. This isn’t just about reporting concerns; it’s about fostering a culture of courage. Every tip, every act of speaking up, is a testament to a student’s commitment to their community. It’s a student saying, ‘I care, and I want to make a difference.’ This courage is the very foundation of safer schools and stronger communities.”

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.