HSE schools say listening to students is key to safety plan

Administrators of Hamilton Southeastern schools say the most important aspect of their school security plans involves listening to what students have to say.

FISHERS, Ind. (WTHR) - Administrators of Hamilton Southeastern schools say the most important aspect of their school security plans involves listening to what students have to say.

Students routinely and anonymously send tips by text message, part of a special program that allows police and school administrators anonymously text back for more information

“Students are the eyes and ears of every school building. They know things administrators and parents will never know,” said assistant superintendent Michael Beresford.

An FBI study found that the vast majority of school mass-shootings are committed by students themselves. Another government examination of thwarted attacks determined that well over half of the plots were discovered by the suspect’s peers. Law enforcement came in third. Parents were next to last.

Although the Text a Tip program hasn’t uncovered any threats of widespread violence, Beresford said it has alerted police to other serious problems.

“We have had situations when students haven’t felt safe or maybe a student was bothering another student and wanted someone to intervene,” he said.

Mixed in with routine complaints about misbehavior, smoking and student parking there are calls for help.

“We will get a tip one student is worried about another student, maybe they are suicidal, cutting or using drugs,” said Beresford.

Schools that have increased security and hardened their buildings to outsiders are learning that the most likely potential threats and the information to stop them are coming from the inside.