TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - In the wake of the tragic Parkland shooting, local leaders are releasing a new public service announcement to encourage students, parents and residents to report school safety concerns.
Leon County Schools is teaming up with the Leon County Sheriff's Office and the Tallahassee Police Department to launch the PSA.
“Many people are unaware that we have a resource – 922-KIDS – that’s staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive safety concerns of any type,” said Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “The message is clear: If you see something that concerns you, say something.”
Hanna also says the school district is working to implement other changes to meet the provisions of the recently passed SB 7026.
The PSA, created and donated by Sachs Media Group in partnership with Charles Belvin Productions, will air on local television and cable.
“We want citizens, especially kids, to understand what important partners they are in keeping our community and our schools safe,” said Sheriff Walt McNeil. “Calling in a tip could save a life – or many lives.”
Law enforcement leaders emphasize that callers don't need to be 100 percent sure about a potential threat to report it.
“This hotline also exists to get people help,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo. “It’s not about getting people arrested. It’s about linking people with the mental health services they need before they become a threat to themselves or others.”
The PSA is expected to begin airing on local broadcast stations between now and the end of the school year and it will be rebroadcast as the new school year begins in Fall 2018.
