This bill mandates the Attorney General of New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Education and Law Enforcement Working Group, to create a program that allows the public to anonymously report potential threats to school safety. The program will include various accessible reporting methods, such as a telephone tip line staffed by trained individuals and a mobile application. It is designed to ensure the anonymity of the reporting party, except in cases where they choose to disclose their identity. Information received will be promptly forwarded to relevant law enforcement agencies or school officials, and the program will also provide training and guidelines for appropriate responses to tips.
Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to compile an annual report detailing the program's activity, including the number of reports received, methods of reporting, instances of misuse, and actions taken in response to reports. This report must be submitted to the Governor and the Education Committees of both the Senate and General Assembly, and it will be made available on the Department of Law and Public Safety's website. The initiative aims to enhance school safety by providing a structured and anonymous way for community members to report concerns, similar to Colorado's Safe2Tell program.