School Violence Tipline

The School Violence Tipline, 1-800/477-0024, provides a means for students to anonymously report threats of violence and weapons violations on school grounds. The tipline is answered by trained Illinois State Police telecommunicators who will refer the reports to local law enforcement agencies. Additional information is available at:

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/children/tipline.pdf

In the event that you feel threatened, know of a possible act of violence, or find out about a weapon but are unable to confide in a trusted adult, the tipline is an anonymous way to relay the information. However, you should call the tipline only of you feel it is impossible to talk to a trusted adult first. Confiding in a person you trust is by far the best way to deal with information about school violence. OLCHS students are asked to confide with a teacher, dean, guidance counselor, or another trusted adult. 

The School Violence Tipline was created to give you an anonymous way to report any threats of violence or weapons you might know about. You should call the tipline only in those situations where there is no immediate threat of violence to you or your fellow students. (For example, if the student heard one classmate threaten another or saw a weapon in a classmate's locker.)

There is a distinct difference between incidents that require a 911 call and those that are appropriate for the tipline. Any risk of immediate harm should be reported to 911 right away. (For example, if a student has pulled out a gun in the middle of the cafeteria.)

When you make a call to the tipline, make sure you are ready to give an accurate, detailed account of the situation. A trained telecommunicator will then assess the situation and make a determination about the appropriate response. In most instances, the telecommunicator will refer the information to your local law enforcement and school officials. If you need additional assistance and request consultation, the Illinois State Police telecommunicator will transfer your call to a trained crisis worker.