Announcing the launch of the Safe Place Program
Announcing the launch of the Safe Place Program
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced the launch of the Safe Place Program, an initiative that promotes community safety and awareness against hate crimes and discrimination, at a Pride Flag raising event held on June 3. The Safe Place Program will be rolled out at Rutgers University and the City of New Brunswick on June 3, joining the four other municipalities already active in the program in Middlesex County: Woodbridge, Highland Park, Metuchen, and Monroe.
“Middlesex County strives to cultivate a sense of community where everyone feels safe no matter what,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “I am thankful for Prosecutor Ciccone and her office’s work to help achieve and sustain this goal, by having leaders in our communities step up to keep each other safe.”
“Discrimination and violence have no home in Middlesex County, and I’m proud to see members of the community looking out for each other to make sure of that,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra. “While there is always more work to be done to drive out hate, the sense of community that evolves from the Safe Place Program is a crucial step in the right direction.”
“The Safe Place Program encourages community members to come together in the name of safety, and demonstrate a community-wide commitment to inclusion,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. “As we roll out this program to more townships, we invite all members of the community to become invested and to help the most vulnerable members of our communities feel safe and welcomed.”
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that everyone in our community feels safe and welcome,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny. “This Pride Month and beyond, it is important that we celebrate our differences, and provide shelter to those in need of a safe place. This program will help us do that.”
Safe Place is a program that was developed by the Seattle Police Department in 2015 to assist victims of hate crimes. The program’s objective is to make any victim experiencing a hate crime, bias, or discrimination feel safe when reporting an incident through an ongoing collaboration between police departments, businesses, social organizations, and schools.
How it works
Law enforcement partners, together with local businesses, schools, and community organizations, designate locations in their communities as Safe Places. When someone is experiencing a hate crime, bias, or discrimination, they can enter a participating Safe Place (local business, school, or community organization) for help and sanctuary. The Safe Place partner will assist in contacting the police and allow the victim to stay safely on the premises until the police arrive. The Safe Place decal should be displayed at the main entrance of the participating location, so it is easily visible to the public. The Safe Place decal is easily recognizable and will provide the victim with a safe environment, along with the support of the local community and law enforcement.
How can a business/school/organization become a safe place?
Any local business, school, or community organization can participate in the Safe Place program. The Safe Place decal will be provided to you free of charge and is available for pick up at your local Police Department. The program is not designed for residential use.
To become a Safe Place member, employees or staff must abide by the following mandates if a victim of any hate crime, bias, or discrimination enters the premises:
- If a victim enters the premises, 911 must be called immediately.
- Once 911 is called, the victim must be allowed to remain on the premises in a public area until police arrive.
- If the victim leaves prior to the arrival of the police, call 911 back and provide a physical description of the victim, direction of travel and any injuries that might have been observed.
To obtain additional information on the program or to sign up, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Safe Place”, call Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Wade at 732-745-8383 or Detective Blackwell at 732-745-3465, or email safeplace@co.middlesex.nj.us. To learn more about the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/prosecutor.
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
