Los Angeles Unified Launches Anonymous Reporting App to Report Non-Emergency Safety Incidents (03-07-23)

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communications@lausd.net

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7, 2023

 

Los Angeles Unified Launches Anonymous Reporting App to Report Non-Emergency Safety Incidents

 

Los Angeles, CA (March 7, 2023) – Los Angeles Unified has announced the Los Angeles Schools Anonymous Reporting (LASAR) mobile application. The app enables the Los Angeles school community to anonymously report instances of suspicious activity, mental health incidents, drug consumption, drug trafficking, vandalism and safety issues from a smartphone to ensure student safety.

 

“The LASAR app represents an additional safety tool at our disposal to protect our students and be a leader in responding to safety incidents such as the opioid crisis among teens,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Student safety will always be our top priority. Along with the mental health support and social-emotional focus in our curriculum, the anonymous reporting app rounds out our holistic approach to making sure no other student is a victim of the growing opioid epidemic.”

 

The app allows students or families to anonymously report a non-emergency event and provide the location of the incident for which the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) will respond in partnership with Psychiatric Social Workers (PSW), other mental health support and the law enforcement agency should the incident rise to that level. Users have the option of providing brief contact information for the LASPD to follow up if additional details are needed.

 

Along with fentanyl and other instances of drug use, the Los Angeles school community can also report other issues including threats of a school attack, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, weapons or dangerous objects, vandalism and other non-emergency safety issues.

 

Students and families can download the LASAR app by visiting the Apple or Android app store and searching “LAUSD LASAR.”

 

Today’s board meeting also included presentations for other mobile applications including the LA Unified Emergency App for employees to report emergencies at school sites, the Enterprise HelpDesk that improves services to families, employees and community members, and Mobile App 3.0/Parent Portal upgrade which gives parents and guardians a one-stop mobile/web portal to communicate and collaborate for better student outcomes.

 

“As drugs and fentanyl make their way into our schools, we need all creative solutions to protect our students and keep drugs off our campuses,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “The launch of an app that allows our school community to anonymously report any concerns or tips is part of a multi-pronged approach to keep our students safe.”

 

“I am so proud that Los Angeles Unified has been proactive in creating a variety of applications that keep our students safe and supported and our families informed and able to get quick access to the resources they need,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “This speaks to our ongoing commitment to put our students' well-being front and center."

 

“Providing employees, students, families and community members additional tools to communicate with the District so that we can improve our service delivery is valuable,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.

 

“Mobile apps are one of many tools designed to help engage our parents and communities,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “It’s important to stay up to date with technology and tools that are improving ways to connect with wider audiences.”

 

“I am glad to see the District’s continuous improvement with these new app launches and updates — especially the latest iteration of the parent app stemming from my first resolution in office,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I will keep pushing for more innovative capabilities and true one-stop technology to make these offerings as useful and convenient as possible for all stakeholders.”

 

“As the second largest school district in the country, it is crucial we innovate to better communicate with our scholars, families and communities,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “From Parent Portal to technology help to notification of safety concerns, these free apps downloadable for phones will help our huge system more quickly respond to the diverse and urgent needs of our constituents.”

 

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

 

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