Mission Viejo Police Services will launch a new program called “Text-A-Tip” in another effort to keep schools safe. The program will allow students a confidential method to report problems directly to the School Resource Deputy and to school administrators. The pilot program gets underway at Mission Viejo High School, Capistrano Valley High School, Silverado High School, and Newhart Middle School in early November. The goal is to begin implementing the program in other Mission Viejo schools (and surrounding areas) once the pilot is complete.
Text-A-Tip will allow students to use their cell phone to text and report issues such as bullying, depression, fights, and any threats relating to campus safety. Via a confidential text, students can detail a problem without the fear of being labeled a “snitch,” “rat,” “narc,” or “tattletale” by their peers. Each school will be assigned a unique phone number and posters will be placed around the campuses so students will be aware of the program and the phone number for sending their texts.
“This is a great partnership between Police Services, the city and the school districts to ensure a safe environment for our children. Texting is a very comfortable way for the youth of today to communicate, and we feel this program will keep the lines of communication open between the students and the school administrators,” said Lt. Mike Gavin, Chief of Police Services.
The program is not intended for emergency use. In case of an emergency requiring immediate law enforcement response, students should call 911.
Mission Viejo Police Services, in partnership with the City, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, and Capistrano Valley Unified School District support the Text-A-Tip program so that students can feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
The promotional poster is really poorly designed. It looks terrible. I understand budgets are tight, but I am sure someone with a little artistic background could have helped.