Weapon removed from Draper school after student reports it through SafeUT app

DRAPER, Utah — Administrators say a weapon was safely removed from the Draper Park Middle School campus after a concerned student reported the weapon through the SafeUT app.

Parents received a letter from the school Tuesday morning, which said school officials and the school resource officer were able to start an investigation because of the tip.

“It is not believed the student intended to do any harm, but the incident did cause concern among the small group of students who were shown the weapon in private,” part of the letter read.

Administrators said the matter is being handled swiftly and in accordance with Canyons School District policy. Draper police are also conducting an investigation and could recommend criminal charges.

“Your student’s safety is our No. 1 concern, and we greatly appreciate the student who used SafeUT to bring this issue to our attention,” administrators said. “We continue to encourage all students to say something if they see something. Counselors also will be available if your student needs to talk about this issue.”

Dénia-Marie Ollerton, SafeUT supervisor with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, said moments like this show the vital role the app plays in helping students, parents and school administrators.

SafeUT app helps parents, students and schools during safety threats

Following an incident at West High School late last year, Ollerton said the SafeUT app is available 24 hours a day for students, parents and educators. In addition to the tip line, there is also a crisis chat line with connections to licensed counselors.

She added all tips are confidential.

“We take that very seriously, and that’s a huge part of the success where people feel comfortable to send in a confidential tip,” Ollerton said. “They don’t have to say who they are, but they can report something that they’ve seen.”