Published Tuesday, January 8, 2019
The screen shots above show the tip line form shown in the BCSD app. (BCSD photo)
Maintaining safety and security on the campus of a school is not something done with one approach or idea. As those in the BCSD safety and security office continue to work tirelessly to improve standards of practice and develop new techniques, information from students, staff and community members is invaluable.
With that in mind, direct communication with our safety and security team can be made quickly and discreetly if needed, via the BCSD mobile app. With the help of the BCSD technology office, the reporting feature within the app was launched just prior to the start of the 2018-19 school year.
Tips and information can be shared anonymously (if needed) via the button on the home page of the app for situations like bullying, threats and drug activity. BCSD Director of Safety and Security Tim Knight said the tool has helped establish another layer to incident management and prevention.
"There have already been situations prevented as a result of this feature in the app," Knight said. "We've also resolved some potential safety hazards."
When a tip is submitted through the app, it is immediately sent to Knight and other members of the safety and security team. The design of the form allows for simple, fast and accurate reporting. Among the bells and whistles is the ability to send a GPS pinned location along with the tip.
Tips and data are also tracked and archived.
“With this tip line being a feature within our app, we are able to analyze data,” said BCSD Chief Information and Technology Officer Diane Driggers. “In addition to providing a reporting tool for teachers and students, we hope it allows us to identify patterns and trends that we can present to our safety and security office.”
With safety and security of students and staff members being the top priority in Berkeley County schools, Knight believes having that data will further aid proactive measures to school safety. He said having this additional reporting tool should not be seen as a replacement for other reporting services. It’s simply another option where appropriate.
“In an emergency situation, 911 should always be called. This tip line is for situations that do not warrant a call to 911 or instances where a person may not be able to safely call 911,” Knight said.
If you do not currently have the Berkeley County School District mobile app downloaded on your device, you can find it in your app store by searching Berkeley County School District.
NOTE
This feature of the app expands upon the anonymous tip line BCSD launched several years ago. Students, employees and community members will still be able to call 1-855-OK-SAY-IT to report concerns.
