Safe Place Program

What is the BPD’s SAFE PLACE Initiative?

This concept was developed by the Seattle Police Department in 2015 to assist the victims of Hate Crimes and Student Bullying. The Safe Place logo is a trademarked logo and owned by the Seattle Police Department, and with permission it permits licensing to other law enforcement agencies. The logo is a law enforcement sponsored concept that enhances public education regarding the reporting of hate crimes. This is achieved by forming an active collaboration between the police, businesses and social organizations. BPD Safe Place is designed to assist in making communities a safer place to live and has been adopted by over 275 law enforcement jurisdictions throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

This program is for ALL hate crimes which include race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities, homelessness, marital status, political ideology, age, or parental status.

This program helps say to victims: You will be heard, you will be treated with care, dignity and respect from the business you enter to find help in, as well as from the Police Officers who respond to investigate. BPD SAFE PLACE is not designed for residential use.

Which businesses and social organizations can participate in BPD SAFE PLACE?

ALL of these entities are able to participate in the BPD SAFE PLACE as long as they follow the two requirements listed below. The Safe Place Program is ZERO COST to the business; BPD Safe Place is free to join.

What are my responsibilities to join?

Although this is voluntary concept, there are responsibilities to become a member of BPD SAFE PLACE. That responsibility is simple, quick and free & just requires you to train/educate your employees/staff & management to do two things:

If a victim of any crime (especially a hate crime) enters your premises, call 911 immediately.
Allow the victim to remain on your premise until police arrive.

If the victim leaves prior to police arrival, call back 911 and provide a physical description of the victim and/or suspect(s), direction of travel and any injuries that you may have observed. As with any emergency situation your staff should use care & caution when providing the victims of crime safe shelter, while being mindful of the safety of your patrons/co-workers and compliance with existing company policies. There is no extra liability to as we are not asking you to do anything you wouldn’t already do if a victim comes into your business.

How do I become a BPD SAFE PLACE participant?

Complete this decal request form and once you agree to the terms of participation, click “submit”. Your application will be sent directly to the Brookline Police Department’s SAFE PLACE Coordinator who will mail you your decal.

Where do I put the BPD Safe Place decal?

The 4x6 inch decal should be placed at the main public entrance, 3-5 feet off the ground and easily visible to anyone walking past your premise.

For more information, please contact:

Officer Kristin Healy, LGBTQ+ Liaison at: Kmhealy@Brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2781.