Mayor and Police Chief Announce “Safe Place” Program To Fight Crimes Against LGBTQ Community

Mayor Murray and Chief of Police Kathleen O’Toole announced SPD Safe Place, a public education and visibility campaign aimed at preventing and responding to anti-LGBT bias crimes.

“Seattle welcomes all people,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “There is no place for bigotry or harassment in our city. We developed Safe Place so that businesses and community organizations can visibly stand up against intolerance and provide shelter to victims.”

SPD Safe Place is a voluntary program that provides businesses and organizations with decals and information on how to report malicious harassment, more commonly known as hate crimes. Training for these organizations includes when and how to call 911, sheltering victims of crime until police arrive and proactive outreach about working with the SPD’s LGBT liaison officer.

“Seattle Police officers work every day with the diverse communities of Seattle to ensure safety. SPD Safe Place is another way of connecting and educating those who live, work and visit Seattle about how the SPD can assist in times of crisis,” said Chief Kathleen O’Toole.

Businesses, organizations and educational institutions can request SPD Safe Place placards or posters and learn about how to work with police to prevent and address anti-LGBT crime concerns at www.seattle.gov/spd-safe-place.

– See more at: http://murray.seattle.gov/#sthash.Bn7lJozM.dpuf

In a nutshell, this program will give local businesses the opportunity to display decals in their window, and info on how to dial 911.

This forward thinking program by the Mayor and SPD will aid many people who must deal with potential hate based crimes on Capitol Hill.

As long as said crimes are happening in commercial areas during normal business hours…

#YoureFuckedIfYoureBeingChasedDownBellevueAt3am