What are GFPD Safe Places?
This concept was developed by the Seattle Police Department in2015 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, social organizations & schools. SPD Safe Place is designed to assist in making communities a safer place to live and has been adopted by over 275 Iaw 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. It helps stop the victim mentality, and it says to any victim: That 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 out to investigate. GFPD SAFE PLACE is not designed for residential use.
Although this is voluntary concept, there are responsibilities to become a member of GFPD SAFE PLACE. That responsibility is simple, quick and free & just requires you to train/educate your employees/staff & management to do two things:
1. If a victim of any crime (especially a hate crime) enters your premises, call 911 immediately.
2. Allow the victim to remain on your premise until police arrive.
Locations in Grand Forks that have adopted the GFPD Safe Place Decal
- River City Jeweler
- Badman Design
- 404 University
- Northern R. Boutique
- Starbucks – South Washington
- Starbucks – Columbia Rd
- Starbucks – 32nd Ave
- Smiling Moose
- Hugos
- CVIC
- M & H
- Hot Topic
- Diamonds on Demers
- Alerus Center
- Youth Works
- Michael’s
- Decontae
- Flipping Happy Decor
- High Plains Fair Housing
- UND Federal Credit Union
- SA Office
- GF Public Health
- MyAlly Health
- Step Program
- GF Public Library
- Plato’s Closet
- CVIC – Campus Location
- Salvation Army
- Area Community Credit Union
- Grand Forks County Building