What is the GFPD’s SAFE PLACE Initiative?

This concept was developed by the Seattle Police Department in 2015 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 law 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 says 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.

Other uses?

Safe Places has also found to be useful to those who are victims of domestic assault, assault, or other crimes that have occurred prior. It sets up places people would naturally be and feel comfortable in to report crimes safely. 

Which Businesses, Social Organizations & Schools can participate in GFPD SAFE PLACE?

 ALL of these entities are able to participate in the GFPD SAFE PLACE Initiative ANYWHERE in the world, as long as they follow the two requirements listed below. The Safe Place Program is ZERO COST to the businesses; SPD Safe Place is free to join.

What Are My Responsibilities to Join?

 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.

 If the victim leaves prior to police arrival, call back 911 and provide a physical description of the victim and/or suspect(s), direction of travel and any injuries that you may have observed. As with any emergency situation your staff should use due care & caution when providing the victims of crime safe shelter, while being mindful of the safety of your patrons, co-workers and compliance with existing company policies. There is no extra liability to your business as we are not asking you to do anything you wouldn’t already do if a victim comes into your business.

How do I become an GFPD SAFE PLACE Participant?

 Simply email Officer Brian Samson at bsamson@grandforksgov.com. You will have to agree to the terms above, and your decal will be brought to you.

Where do I put the GFPD Safe Place Decal?

The 4x6 inch decal should be placed at the main public entrance, 3-5 feet off the ground and easily visible to anyone walking past your premise.

For More Information: Please go to grandforksgov.com, or contact the Safe Place Administrator & LGBTQ+\Cultural Liaison Officer Brian Samson at bsamson@grandforksgov.com.