Tips Keeping Weapons Out Of Schools

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa Public Schools' police force is tackling violence by trying to keep weapons out of schools. They've confiscated a few guns already this year.

It's high school and rumors can run around campus faster than the track team. When it comes to weapons at school probably even faster.

"I hear the rumors quite often, not every day, but at least a couple times a week," said Chelsey Taylor, an East Central senior.

But instead of letting rumors run rampant, students at East Central and throughout TPS are putting the information into the right hands.

"We had a rumor from the day before yesterday that someone was going to bring a weapon to school," said TPS Police Chief Gary Rudick.

Turns out this rumor was just some tough talk, but Chief Rudick says two guns have been confiscated, since the start of school. Both were found because of student tips.

"The students realize they recognize that this is a safety issue for everyone and that they're trying to do the right thing. That there are kids who will do the right thing," said Chief Rudick.

In an era, when "stop snitching" is prevalent, some students say you have to speak up.

"You want to be safe. And you want everyone else to be safe, so I think it's a big deal. You need to tell somebody," said Taylor.

"I personally want to feel safe. And knowing someone has a weapon, I think people should automatically tell someone," said Kaily Lorenzo, an East Central senior.

And TPS's top cop says they're following up on every tip, so those who want to test the zero tolerance policy, should know.

"Everybody knows, even those who might bring a gun, if it gets out we're gonna check it. So you better not bring it cause it's gonna get checked," said Chief Rudick.

Students can call Crimestoppers just like adults, it works the same way with codes to keep tipsters anonymous.

They can also dial up Safe Call, that's a statewide hotline, if they suspect trouble.

East Central has had its own Crimestoppers program for years that rewards students for providing tips.