Seattle Police Department Announces “Safe Place” Initiative

Is your business a SAFE ZONE?

safe zone

Recently, Seattle’s Chief of Police, Kathleen O’Toole, addressed Seattle business owners, organizations, students and residents to describe the program and gain support.

Dear Seattle Business Owners, Organizations, Students and Residents,

The Seattle Police Department is proud to announce its new “SPD SAFE PLACE” initiative. This program is specifically designed to reduce hate crimes and harassment involving our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) residents and visitors. It also aims to stop LGBTQ student bullying in Seattle area schools and to encourage the victims of these crimes and harassment to report incidents so that the perpetrators can be held accountable.

We request your participation by posting “SPD SAFE PLACE” decals and/or posters at the front entrance of your business, organization or school as an easily identifiable symbol of safety. We encourage you to educate your employees, staff and students to fully understand what the “SPD SAFE PLACE” concept means and how important their support is in assisting anyone who is a victim of hate crime. We are also requesting your assistance by helping the victims of hate crimes by providing them with a temporary “SAFE PLACE” until Seattle Police officers arrive.
“SPD SAFE PLACE” is a new model of police and community collaboration aimed at reducing hate-related crimes and harassment. Together, we will send a strong message to those individuals who commit these crimes that the City of Seattle will not tolerate hate or violence of any kind!

For more information about “SPD SAFE PLACE”, please see our website at spdsafeplace.com or call the SPD’s LGBTQ Liaison (Officer Jim Ritter) at 206-386-1793.
Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Kathleen M. O’Toole Chief of Police

While Seattle is generally one of the safest and most progressive cities in the United States, crimes and discrimination related to the City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) residents and visitors unfortunately still occur. SPD is committed to the safety of all LGBTQ residents and visitors.

Seattle Police Department (SPD) SAFE PLACE signage is being displayed by local supporting community members, businesses, schools and organizations that work closely with the Seattle Police Department in an effort to reduce anti-LGBTQ crimes, reduce LGBTQ student bullying and encourage the reporting of LGBTQ crimes.

If you would like to be a supporting member and receive your free poster of stick to display then sign up today!

Signing up is SIMPLE:

1. Go to spdsafeplace.com

2. Register your business and submit online

3. SPD will personally come to your business to deliver your Safe Place decal

Download a copy of the Safe Place Flyer.

Business & Community Development Update: August 2015

As summer winds down, businesses are ramping up to begin build-outs for their spaces.

Flatstick Pub is bringing an indoor mini golf course with a fabulous selection of locally-sourced beers to the basement of the Pacific Commercial Building (aka Furuya Building) at 2nd Ave S & S Main St.
Gary Manuel Salon is moving from Belltown to Pioneer Square! They’ve leased the long-vacant space at 2nd Ave & James St in the Collins Building. They plan to open in early 2016.
The Estate Wine Room will bring a collection of fine Washington wines to their tasting room at 307 Occidental Ave S. They hope to be open before the end of the year. More details to come.
The Pioneer Square Post Office will be moving from their space on S Jackson to 217 1st Ave S before the end of the year.

The ribbon cutting for Galvanize, the tech-education company at 111 S Jackson, is scheduled for Friday, August 7 at 4:30 PM. Stop by if you’re in the vicinity. We’re delighted they’re part of the neighborhood.

The Mayor is seeking candidates to fill four vacancies on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. The four positions available are for a historian or architectural historian, human services representative, district property owner, and architect. The deadline is Friday, August 7. More information available here.

Have you heard that the first Seahawks preseason game against the Denver Broncos will be at CenturyLink Field on August 14? Curious about upcoming stadium events so you can make decisions about staffing, parking, or planning your own event? Bookmark both the CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field event calendars so you’re always in the know.

See you in the neighborhood!

New Neighborhood Banners & Visitor Guides

Have you seen the new neighborhood banners? It’s been a few years since Pioneer Square has updated its lamppost banners and look how they pop! Our banners let visitors know they are cruising through Seattle’s Original ‘hood since 1852, Pioneer Square.

Also, be on lookout for our freshly printed neighborhood visitor guide. It boasts an incredible business roster of Pioneer Square and provides a map by categories like restaurants, retail, attractions and more! If you’re interested in grabbing some visitor guides for your guests and office please email info@pioneersquare.org and someone will swing a stack by!