Attorney General Bill Schuette Unveils New School Safety Hotline

DETROIT (WWJ) If you see something, say something. That was the message today from the state attorney general, high-ranking members of law enforcement and even Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, to students in Detroit.

Bill Schuette talked to students at University Prep High School in Detroit about a statewide early warning system aimed at preventing school violence. Detroit Police Chief James Craig joined the "OK2Say" event, as did Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw, while Izzo shot a promotional video for it.

"We know the stories nationally about the acts of violence that occur in our schools, that's not a place where learning can grow and foster so this is a great opportunity, this is yet another example of the innovation to make a difference in how this city, this state, move forward," Craig said.

The initiatives includes a phone number, a phone number that accepts texts, a phone and tablet app and a website that students can use to report potential violence.

Tips that come in will go straight to an operations center, Shaw said, and on to law enforcement so they see tips in real time.

"Schools should be a safe haven," Shaw said.

Schuette added a recent study showed that in all the recent cases of school violence cases, 81 percent of the time one other person knew a violent act was about to occur.

"It really empowers all of us to make sure we take responsibility," Schuette said about the initiative.

The website is at www.michigan.gov/OK2say; you can call 8-555-OK2SAY (8-555-652-729); text 652729 (OK2SAY), email  OK2SAY@mi.gov or go to the Apple of Android store to download the free app to your phone or tablet.