About Students Speaking Out

About

Students Speaking Out is a program of San Diego County Crime Stoppers a community-based nonprofit organization (501c3). Students Speaking Out was inspired by our Campus Crime Stoppers program which has helped to solve hundreds crimes on local school campuses and led to the safe removal of 12 guns from middle and high schools in San Diego County.

Visit Crime Stoppers Website

Purpose

The mission of Students Speaking Out is to empower young people to use their voices to make schools and communities safer. We believe that students can make a difference in bringing an end to senseless violence and dangerous activities that interfere with young people achieving their dreams.

After working with far too many families who have lost a loved one to violence, drug abuse, and impaired driving we have seen the devastating impact of these activities on our community. Sadly, many of these losses could have been prevented.

Our message to students is that your voice can make a difference. When you know about illegal or dangerous activity taking place; tell someone. Your voice might save a life, stop a crime, or get help for someone in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shouldn't I just mind my own business if one of my classmates is selling pot, has a knife at school, or steals a cell phone?

Safety at your school is the responsibility of the entire school community--administrators, teachers, and students. Tolerating dangerous activity at school sends the message that anything goes. Speaking out sends the message to your peers that other students will speak out for a school environment free from drugs, weapons, and other dangerous activity.

What kinds of things can I call on?

Students Speaking Out takes tips on crime, school violations, or dangerous activity that might interfere with people's safety. Examples of those types of issues can be seen under the Topics Tab.

Is calling Students Speaking Out really anonymous? If it is, how do I get a reward?

Yes, we have 3 ways of reporting crime anonymously. You can call, text, or send a web tip completely anonymously. The text and web tips are encrypted as soon as you send them to make sure you are anonymous. Our phone line is not traceable and is completely anonymous.

When you call, you will get a secret code, you will use that code to follow up on your tip and to claim your reward. When you text, you will receive a code. When you send a web tip, you can log back on to the site to find out about your reward.

How do I qualify for a reward?

Once we receive your tip, we will pass it on to your school's police officer. They will work with the school to investigate the tip. If they are able to confirm your tip is correct and leads to school asministration action or an arrest you will be eligible for a reward.

I know about illegal activity that is happening at my school. Is it better to go to Students Speaking Out or my Principal or School Resource Officer?

Speaking out to someone at your school is the most direct way to make sure that action is taken. Students Speaking Out is offered for students who want to remain anonymous. The most important step is to tell someone. We also encourage you to discuss your concerns about dangerous activity with your parents or an adult you trust.