NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Neenah School District has been using the Speak Up, Speak Out Tip Line since September of 2020.
It is available to students 13 and older, without requiring a parent’s permission.
The Neenah Police Department has received 20 notifications of concern from the tip line — the majority reported in 2021.
“Five notifications of guns or weapons, five stating concerns of suicidal threats or other mental health concerns, four reporting child abuse,” says Neenah Police Department Assistant Chief Jeffrey Bernice.
There was also one instance of cyber bullying, fighting, dating violence and illegal narcotics use, plus, two that were of general concern to the district.
“There was a report about someone that they were concerned about that was using drugs or alcohol in another state and they were also talking about self harm, so our law enforcement was able to contact that state and get a welfare check to that child,” says District Mental Health Coordinator Dr. Michael Altekruse.
Mental health officials at the district say there is no tip too big or too small.
“As long as they are reporting something that they are afraid to talk to an adult about, then we want them to report it.” says Altekruse.
Altekruse tells FOX 11 they have not had to deal with many students using the tip line as a joke.
“This is not a toy. This isn’t something to be funny about. You want to make sure you’re doing something that is reasonable, helpful.”
Although this resource is primarily used for students, the district has received a tip from a parent.
“[The parent] was worried about a child and didn’t want it to be known because they may have had a relationship with another parent,” says Altekruse.
Speak Up, Speak Out goes through a series of steps after a student submits a tip.
“That tip then goes to a trained analysts, someone who is prepared to respond to all sorts of school safety issues that come up. That analyst then works with local school officials and local law enforcement where appropriate,” says Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul.
Analysts are available 24/7, and after they receive a tip, they are able to review it immediately.
To submit a tip, you can go to the website, download the app or dial 1-800-MY-SUSO-1.
