DPS: School safety-related reports more than double in September

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- School safety-related reports in September more than doubled compared to previous years, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

The agency's iWatchTexas program recorded 204 of those school safety-related reports. These types of reports include "concerning behaviors such as threats or the possibility of planned attacks centered around school campuses," the release said.

The program is a way for Texans to report any suspicious activity surrounding school safety threats, according to DPS. Those suspicious activities "may indicate criminal terroristic threats."

This program is a way for law enforcement "to assess potential threats and take action when necessary," the release said.

“Looking out for one another – especially in the face of serious threats – is embedded in the spirit of Texas,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in the release. “Last month’s record number of reports is a testament to the vigilance we have, and need to have, as Texans speak up to help ensure that their families, friends and neighborhoods stay safe. By simply reporting suspicious activity, we all can play a very big role in protecting the schools, businesses and communities we love.”

The agency said if Texans are in doubt on what to report as "terrorist attacks and threats to school safety," they can look at these examples below, as provided by DPS:

• Comments are made regarding killing or harming someone
• Strangers ask questions about building security features and procedures
• A social media post is made about a possible school attack
• People requesting sensitive information, like blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules
• People who purchase supplies that could be used to make bombs or weapons or purchase uniforms without having the proper credentials
• People taking photographs or videos of security features, like cameras or checkpoints

Texans can download the iWatchTexas app on iPhone in the Apple app store, and Android users can download it using Google Play. Additionally, Texans can report these behaviors by calling 1-844-643-2251. DPS said the report "takes less than five minutes and all reports are confidential."