Columbus, Ohio – In response to a recent tragic event in Georgia, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a memo to school superintendents across the state, highlighting the various ways Ohio can assist in enhancing school safety. With students returning to classrooms, Governor DeWine took this opportunity to underscore the resources available through the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) that can help prevent similar incidents.
“Earlier this week, we saw a horrible, heart-breaking tragedy in Georgia. As many of our kids are in the process of going back to school, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind our school superintendents of the many options – a majority of them at no cost – that the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) can provide to their schools in order to help make our schools safer,” said Governor DeWine.
Ohio School Safety Center’s Mission and Services
Established by Governor DeWine in 2019, the Ohio School Safety Center was created to provide safety support across all 88 counties in Ohio. This division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety offers assistance to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and first responders. The OSSC aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm, by using a comprehensive, solutions-based approach.
The OSSC employs trained personnel who regularly scan social media platforms to identify potential school threats before they materialize. They also provide assistance in conducting school vulnerability assessments, investigating threat assessments, guiding safety grant applications, and developing or modifying school emergency management plans.
One of the most crucial services offered by the OSSC is the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, which is accessible 24 hours a day at 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764). This tip line is an anonymous reporting system where students, parents, and community members can report safety concerns via call, text, webform, or a mobile app. This free resource allows users to share information with school officials and law enforcement about potential threats, making it an invaluable tool in maintaining school safety.
The types of incidents that can be reported to the tip line include bullying, suspicious behaviors, verbal or written threats, hazing, the presence of weapons or suspicious devices on school grounds, gang-related activities, and self-harm or suicidal thoughts. By allowing anonymous reporting, the Safer Ohio School Tip Line empowers individuals to play an active role in safeguarding their school environments.
Focus on Mental Health and Preventive Training
Governor DeWine’s memo also emphasized the importance of mental health in preventing school violence. The Ohio Department of Education has collaborated with Dr. Dewey Cornell, a leading expert on behavioral threat assessment, to develop a specialized training model called the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). This evidence-based training helps school staff identify, assess, and manage threats before they escalate into violent actions.
Currently, nearly 650 teams in Ohio schools and districts have received this training, which is offered at no cost. This initiative reflects Ohio’s commitment to equipping schools with the skills and knowledge needed to address threatening behavior proactively.
Governor DeWine’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder that school safety is a shared responsibility. By utilizing the resources provided by the Ohio School Safety Center, schools can create safer learning environments for students and staff alike. For more information, Ohio residents are encouraged to explore the resources offered by the OSSC and consider how they can contribute to the safety of their local schools.
