DPD Safe Place

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What Is Safe Place?

Police officer holding up a DPD Safe Place window decal

DPD Safe Place is a public awareness campaign that also has a physical component to keep a victim safe while awaiting the arrival of police.

It is sponsored by the Denver Police Department to partner with the community, for the purpose of assisting victims of crime (specifically anti-LGBTQ bias-motivated crimes). The program's purpose is to encourage reporting of these crimes, reduce Anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment by public awareness, and to provide a physical safe space for victims of crime, while they await the arrival of police.

The Denver Police Department sees the value of accurate reporting of all crimes, so appropriate strategies can be utilized to reduce and prevent crime. This low-cost program is fully in line with the DPD Mission Statement: In partnership with the community, we endeavor to operate a police agency with a focus on preventing crime in a respectful manner, demonstrating that everyone matters.

Program History

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.

Why Is This Program Needed?

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:

Denver Police LGBTQ Liaison Officer

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 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.

DPD Safe Place window decals in Spanish and English

Who Can Participate?

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

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.
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:

Lieutenant Michael Wyatt
720-913-6717
Michael.Wyatt@Denvergov.org

Lieutenant Layla Destaffany
720-913-0551
Layla.Destaffany@Denvergov.org

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