FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
September 6, 2024
Macomb County Prosecutor Promotes School Safety: Report Threats Anonymously at 8-555-OK2SAY
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — As the new school year begins, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is calling on students, parents, and educators to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or threats through Michigan's anonymous tip line, OK2SAY. Lucido emphasized that preventing school violence starts with speaking up and taking action to protect the community.
“If you see something, hear something, or know something that threatens student or school safety, it is imperative that you say something,” Lucido said. “Real heroes don’t wear capes—they take action to protect their communities.”
OK2SAY, a confidential safety program, allows students and the public to report potential threats to schools, students, or staff via text at 652729 or by calling 8-555-OK2SAY. The program ensures that tips are shared with the appropriate authorities, including school officials, law enforcement, and mental health services, to address harmful behaviors before they escalate.
Lucido also highlighted the importance of mental health resources, urging those who know of a student in crisis to contact the child’s school, a mental health professional, or Macomb County Community Mental Health at 586-307-9100. In emergencies, individuals are encouraged to call 911.
With a strict zero-tolerance policy against threats, violence, and weapons, Lucido’s office has worked closely with local law enforcement agencies to educate students about the severe consequences of making school threats. Despite a decline in warrant requests and charges—from 145 warrant requests and charges authorized during the 2022-2023 school year to 99 warrant requests and charges authorized in the 2023-2024 school year—Lucido stressed that even one incident is too many.
"Every student has the right to attend school without fear of violence or threats," Lucido said. "We will continue to hold accountable those who jeopardize school safety and make sure our students and educators are protected."
To reinforce this message, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with local police, continues to offer educational programs in schools that inform students and staff about the legal ramifications of school threats, violence, and bullying. The office remains committed to ensuring that students understand that such actions can lead to serious charges, including terrorism threats, bomb threats, and malicious use of electronic devices—crimes that carry penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, potentially resulting in jail time and long-term impacts on future educational and employment opportunities.
In addition to the ongoing educational initiatives, Prosecutor Lucido also recognizes students who play a role in preventing school violence through the Hero Award. This award is presented to the school when a student at the school reports suspicious activity, potentially averting dangerous situations in their schools. The award is part of the office's broader effort to encourage proactive steps in safeguarding the school environment.
Lucido also warned that threats to Macomb County schools are causing financial losses for local governments, and that his office will hold both students and parents accountable for any costs incurred. Parents may be financially liable if law enforcement agencies seek compensation for responding to and investigating incidents involving school threats, violence, or weapons. In early 2024, a police agency in Macomb County requested over $12,000 in restitution after a student made a school threat.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office offers presentations on school threats, violence, and weapons. Schools interested in scheduling a presentation can contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or Heather.Esposito@macombgov.org.
Lucido’s message is clear: by working together—students, parents, educators, and law enforcement—Macomb County can create a safe environment where education is the focus, and fear has no place. The prosecutor wishes everyone a happy, safe, and successful school year.
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