DPD Safe Place

The program was started by the LGBTQ Liaison officer (Jim Ritter) of the Seattle Police Department, in May 2015. The program became a quick success and has since spread to several cities in the U.S. as well as some other countries in Europe and Asia. Denver received permission from Seattle to use the logo and program as long as the concepts and philosophy of the original SPD SAFE PLACE program are followed.

Cities throughout the United States are experiencing an increase in bias-motivated crimes. Most of these crimes are not reported to the police.

This program encourages the reporting of these crimes. It also educates the public on the fact that these crimes are still occurring.

Check out other Safe Place Programs:

• Baltimore Police Department
• Los Angeles Police Department
• Miami Police Department
• Orlando Police Department
• Seattle Police Department
• Tucson Police Department
• Vancouver Police Department

Any Denver business, school, or organization can be part of the DPD Safe Place program by agreeing to:

1. Place a clearly visible DPD SAFE PLACE sticker in the window, letting the public know their business will provide a safe place for victims of any crime while waiting for the police to arrive.
2. The business/employee will call 911 or assist the victim(s) in calling 911 and encourage reporting of the crime.

If you are interested in participating, please contact one of our LGBTQ liaisons at denverpd_lgbtqliaison@denvergov.org:

• Lieutenant Michelle Folmar
• Officer Joshua Koen

*Please note: This program does not include participation by private residences.

The LGBTQ Liaison Officer strengthens the relationship between the LGBTQ community and the Police Department by creating mutual trust and confidence in the Police through community involvement, departmental education, and the provision of fair and professional policing services.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as the single point of contact between the Police Department and the LGBTQ community
• Assist, advise and consult with Police Department leadership and officers on cases involving LGBTQ issues
• Provide or coordinate training for members of the Police Department on LGBTQ topics
• Meet with business owners, community groups and individuals of the LGBTQ community on relevant law enforcement issues
• Provide a forum for LGBTQ community members to express concerns
• Attend events in the LGBTQ community as a representative of the Police Department
• Collaborate with community leaders, residents and businesses to design and implement public safety projects and programs to establish a closer, more effective dialogue between the LGBTQ community and the Police Department
• Attend relevant training related to LGBTQ topics
• Provide an annual report to the Denver LGBTQ Commission