DPD SAFE PLACE

What is Safe Place?

The DPD SAFE PLACE program is modeled after the Seattle Police Department's SPD SAFE PLACE program.

It is a program 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.

History of the Program:

The program was started by 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.  The DPD has permission from SPD to use the logo and program as long as DPD follows the concepts and philosophy of the original SPD SAFE PLACE program.

Who Can Participate?

Participants are businesses, schools, and organizations that agree to do two things:

1. Place a clearly visible DPD SAFE PLACE sticker in their window, letting everyone know they are a participant and that their business will provide a safe place for victims of ANY crime while waiting for the arrival of police.
2. The business/employee will call 911 or assist the victim in calling 911 and encourage the reporting of this crime.

**NOTE:  THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTICIPATION BY PRIVATE RESIDENCES.

Why Is This Program Needed?

Cities throughout the US are experiencing an increase in Bias motivated crimes.  Most of these crimes ARE NOT reported to police.

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

Summary:

It is a public awareness campaign that also has a physical component to keep a victim safe while awaiting 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.

Denver Police Department 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.

The DPD LGBTQ Liaison Officer:

• Serves as a personal, single point of contact between the Police Department and the LGBTQ community
• Assists, advises, and consults with the Police Department leadership and other officers on cases involving the LGBTQ community or LGBTQ issues
• Provides/coordinates training for members of the department on LGBTQ topics
  
• Meets with and provides a forum for business owners, community groups, and individuals of the LGBTQ community, and presents information on relevant law enforcement issues
  
• Provides a forum for the LGBTQ community to express its concerns regarding crimes directed against the LGBTQ community
• Attends events in the LGBTQ community as a representative of the Police Department
• Collaborates with community leaders, residents and businesses to design and implement public safety projects and programs to establish a closer, more effective dialogue between the police and the LGBTQ community
• Identifies and attends training related to LGBTQ topics
• Facilitates an overall open relationship between the LGBTQ community and the Police Department
• Act as a liaison to the LGBTQ Commision of Denver on issues related to law enforcement and provide an annual report to the Commission on activities of the liaison position and public safety trends related to the LGBTQ community
  
  

WANT TO PARTICIPATE?

Any Denver business or school wanting to be a Safe Place should contact DPD LGBTQ Liaison Lieutenant Michael Wyatt at 720-913-2800 or send an email to 6.dist@denvergov.org.