Introducing SPEAK UP Anonymous Tip Service
Wichita Public Schools students for the first time have the ability to provide anonymous tips to keep schools safe by using text messaging and/ or through a secure web link. The district’s Crime Stoppers in Schools program announced the Speak Up program, which allows students, staff and parents the ability to send anonymous tips through a secure website. The funding for the services is provided by Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County and Target.
Speak Up allows anyone to share information that will be anonymously received. The service offers submission of tips through both a secure website online, as well as text messages that are encrypted and routed through secure servers to protect the sender. In either case, the user is given an alias and a unique ID before the message is sent to the school. This allows the user and the school representative to have a two-way dialog without revealing the sender’s identity.
TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT AN ANONYMOUS TIP:
1. Click on the SPEAKUP logo above, or CLICK HERE to be taken directly to a secure tip reporting website
2. Text your tip to 274637 and begin your message with SPEAKUP
In the Schools
The Wichita Public Schools are safe, successful and enjoyable places to learn and work. Caring students and staff in Wichita middle and high schools have joined together to make their schools and neighborhoods even safer through the Crime Stoppers In The Schools Program.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Crime Stoppers In The Schools is to involve students, staff, parents and neighbors in the prevention of crime in and around their schools. All of the school partners work together with law enforcement officers to ensure school and neighborhood safety.
HOW DOES CRIME STOPPERS IN SCHOOLS WORK?
Crime Stoppers In Schools follows the model of our local Wichita/Sedgwick County Crime Stoppers Program, with some differences. Each school has its own board of directors made up of students and staff.
School safety and security concerns are advertised in a variety of ways including banners, posters and intercom announcements. Some school programs offer various types of rewards to individuals with information that solves a school safety problem or crime. Many students, however, want to do the “right thing” by providing helpful information without the thought of receiving any type of reward.
Students are provided with many different ways to report their school safety concerns and observations. Students have the SPEAK UP anonymous tip service, whereas tips can be sent via text message or through a secure website. Schools may also often provide students with specially decorated, secure drop boxes and "Crime Stopper" lockers.
In all cases, students leave their observations, which are investigated, by principals, school security officers and school resource police officers. The student crime stoppers board of directors decides what tips and what amounts are paid anonymously with rewards.
DOES IT WORK?
Yes, is the resounding answer to the often-asked question – does it work? Students all over the city do report their school safety concerns. They know that staff will immediately investigate their anonymous reports. Students often see the results of their reports in the visible changes based on their reported observations.
REWARD FUNDS
Wichita Middle and High School Crime Stoppers Programs receive their reward funds from a variety of community sources. Parents, staff, interested patrons, businesses and corporations provide cash reward funds and gift certificates. The Boeing Company and the Wichita – Sedgwick County Crime Stoppers organization contribute significantly to the development and enhancement of the Wichita Crime Stoppers In The Schools Programs. Interested individuals and businesses may make contributions to their local middle and high school Crime Stoppers In The Schools Program by calling the principals of the school.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information about Crime Stoppers In The Schools, please contact Michele Zahner, Supervisor of Police-School Programs at mzahner@usd259.net.