As part of our commitment to student safety and mental health at Dallas Center-Grimes CSD, we are pleased to introduce Safe+Sound Iowa—a free, anonymous school violence reporting tool. Starting today, students, parents, teachers and other community members can help identify and provide intervention for students in crisis before they harm themselves or others.
Safe+Sound Iowa is available to K–12 schools statewide at no charge by the Governor’s School Safety Bureau. It was developed to help prevent violence, unlawful possession of weapons, self-harm and other forms of victimization and threatening behaviors. Similar programs have been successful in preventing tragedy and saving lives in schools across the country, including Colorado, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
In past school attacks in the United States, 92% of those who noticed concerning behaviors before the events were schoolmates.* Students may not report warning signs due to feelings of anxiety or intimidation, fear of retaliation or not knowing who to talk to. Safe+Sound Iowa removes these barriers with easy, convenient and confidential ways to report safety concerns.
Reports can be made securely and anonymously:
- Online at SafeandSoundIowa.gov
- Through the Safe+Sound Iowa mobile app, or
- By phone at 800-224-6018.
Trained dispatchers monitor reports 24/7 and immediately engage in two-way communication with those raising concerns. They then reach out to the appropriate local school safety contact, law enforcement or other community partners.
As we prepare to roll out Safe+Sound Iowa, school staff are receiving training on how to communicate with students the importance of early reporting. Additional information can also be found on SafeandSoundIowa.gov, including:
- Informational handout about Safe+Sound Iowa
- Easy-to-follow guidebook detailing answers to frequently asked questions
- Brief video demonstrating how to use the Safe+Sound Iowa app
You can download the free Safe+Sound Iowa mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.
Creating a safe learning environment is our highest priority, and it starts with early detection of potential threats.
The Safe+Sound Iowa platform should be used responsibly. Like misusing 911 or filing a false police report, knowingly submitting a false report to Safe+Sound Iowa could have serious consequences, including being charged with a crime.