Interviews of campus officer Stallings and our school principal, Mr. Finnestead provided insight into Safe2Tell and its role in our school. In each interview, they were each asked the same questions and they gave similar responses. Mr. Finnestead started his interview stating that the purpose of Safe 2 Tell is, “ultimately, to intervene early on behalf of kids who may be in danger within the community, so that being said has a very noble premes to it.” Office Stallings stated that Safe 2 Tell is meant, “to provide a place for students, and in fact, anybody to report any issues, or incidents that are in reference students about someones that is at risk.”
In light of the recent instances, it is easy to assume that this service is abused more often than it is used. But, Mr. Finnestead states, “there is actually a rarity when people misuse or abuse it. I don’t see by in large students at Silver Creek misusing this.” However, when the system is abused, there are repercussions for everyone involved. According to Mr. Finnestead, when the system is misused, “What they’re doing is they’re interfering with a school facility and it’s, quite frankly in my book, it’s a felony”.
Understanding the depth and involvement of the investigation process will certainly change student’s perspective on the service as a whole. The school, in partnership with the Longmont Police Department and Safe2Tell, takes absolutely every report seriously and each is investigated to the fullest extent they are able to, given the information they have. Regardless of the time of day, action will be taken. Officer Stallings shared that there have been instances where late at night, she had to sacrifice her personal time to assist a student in need. This type of dedication from our SRO and other administrative individuals is eye opening and shows how deeply our school cares about every individual. Both officer Stallings and Mr. Finnestead agree that Safe2Tell is a resource that can be effectively used by the community to keep students safe.