Is your business a 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.