Safe Schools Alliance was established in 1998, following the deadly on-campus attack at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon by one of its own students. As a result of that tragedy, Deschutes County formed CRASH (Crime Reduction at School Houses), an initiative designed to enhance safety within school environments, protect students and teachers and provide immediate accountability for crimes committed at schools.

One of first collaboration of its kind in the country, CRASH quickly become a model for excellence in collaboration and communication among partner agencies that work together to improve school safety in the United States.  Not long after, the name was changed to Safe Schools Alliance and partner agencies were expanded to include Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

Safe Schools Alliance partners work to provide safe and secure school environments through community and interagency partnerships among students, parents, education, mental health, community justice, fire and law enforcement.

The purpose of this network is to increase the ability of all organizations to work consistently and in collaboration to assure safe and secure schools for the children of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The SSA does not decide policy, but rather it serves in an advisory capacity to partner organizations, recommending policy and procedures that are consistent throughout the region. All partner SSA members operate in accordance with applicable statutes, policies and procedures of their individual districts or agencies. The SSA works on a consensus basis, sharing information and perspectives to increase knowledge, communication and ability of all partners in creating safe school environments and preventing violence