KALISPELL — Flathead Valley middle and high school students will soon have access to a free anonymous cell phone crime reporting app.
School resource officer Dennis Bain -- who has been in his position at Flathead High School for three years -- says school safety is at the fore front of everyone's minds.
Bain tells MTN News that the new free cell phone app from Safe Schools allows students to anonymously report things of concern, such as threats of violence or mental health issues.
He explained that on average, 95% of high school students around the country have a cell phone, making this app easy and accessible for students to use.
Once the student reports the concern, they have a one-on-one conversation with Bain or a school administrator.
"School safety is a huge issue these days, and a lot of kids want to report things but don't want to be a snitch," Bain explained. "So, this gives them a voice without giving them a face."
He added that the app is currently being used at a school in Bozeman.
Bain hopes to have the app up and running for Flathead, Glacier and Linderman students by the end of October.
Once in place, almost 4,000 students will have access to the app throughout the Flathead Valley.
Funding for the program is being provided by the schools and a grant from the Flathead Electric Cooperative.
