New Director Appointed For Colorado’s Safe2Tell Program

Megan Verlee/CPR News
Many school districts print the Safe2Tell information on the back of students’ ID badges.
Photo: Safe2Tell Program badge
Many school districts print the Safe2Tell information on the back of students' ID badges.

Colorado's program allowing anonymous tips about threats has a new leader.

Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Friday that Essi Ellis will become the director of the Safe2Tell program starting Monday.

Ellis previously worked as the director of emergency management and preparedness for the University of Colorado Denver. She succeeds Susan Payne, who has led the Safe2Tell program since 2006.

Safe2Tell was created after gunmen shot and killed 13 people at Columbine High School in 1999.

People can provide anonymous reports of threats, including threats of violence at schools. The program also handles reports of suicidal thoughts, bullying, sexual misconduct and other violent or dangerous situations. Dispatchers then send reports to school or law enforcement officials.

Reports can be submitted through the Safe2Tell mobile app, its website or a toll-free number.