AUSTIN, Texas – More states, school districts, cities, and counties across the nation are adopting school safety anonymous tip lines, and in many cases, the programs are receiving a record number of reports.
Texas is just the latest state to say it has received a record number of school safety-related tips to its version of an anonymous tip program, called iWatch Texas. For the month of September 2024, the program recorded a total of 204 school safety related reports, a majority of them involving concerning behaviors such as threats or the possibility of planned attacks centered around school campuses.
Related Article: School Anonymous Reporting Systems by State
The September 2024 figure is more than double compared to previous years. In 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received 89 school safety related reports during the month of September, and in 2022, a total of 63.
DPS’ Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division (ICT) attributes the record setting numbers of tips to heightened public awareness of both the iWatchTexas program and the importance of being vigilant—particularly when it comes to schools.
The iWatchTexas program is a community-based reporting system designed to help Texans confidentially alert authorities to suspicious activities that may indicate criminal terroristic threats and school safety threats, according to a DPS press release. Reports submitted by citizens are reviewed by trained analysts who work closely with local, state and federal authorities to assess potential threats and take action when necessary. DPS claims that from suspicious activities in schools to unusual behaviors in public spaces, the information provided through iWatchTexas has led to timely interventions.
What School Safety Threats Should Be Reported to Texas’ Anonymous Tip Program?
DPS gave the following examples of behaviors and/or activities that should be reported:
- Comments made regarding killing or harming someone.
- Strangers asking questions about building security features and procedures.
- A social media post about a possible school attack.
- People requesting sensitive information, such as blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules, without a need to know.
- Purchasing supplies that could be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials.
- Taking photographs or videos of security features, such as cameras or checkpoints.
The public can report those behaviors via the iWatchTexas app or by calling 1-844-643-2251. A report usually takes less than five minutes, and all reports are confidential.
