CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

Renton PD Safe Place Program is a unique partnership with the business community that serves a critical role in assisting the victims of these crimes. Businesses and Organizations that participate place an easily recognizable decal at their entrances.

Most establishments place the decal on their glass doors, or windows, 4'-6' up from the ground, so that the victims of crime who may be running by can easily see the decal and recognize the symbolism and messaging. This symbol is a signal for victims of hate crimes that this location has partnered with the police, will call 911 on their behalf and allow them a safe place stay on the premises until the police arrive.

• Over 6,000 businesses throughout Seattle currently participate in the program. 

• Over 200 police agencies throughout the US and Canada, including Bellevue and Renton, are actively working with Seattle PD to initiate Safe Place in their communities.

In 2018 SPD Safe Place program and decal was updated to encourage any victim of a hate crime, not just those related to the LGBTQ community to seek help with Safe Place. The SPD Safe Place decal is meant to convey inclusion and intersectionality with any and all individuals, regardless of their race, political beliefs, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation and/or identification, or any other differences either actual or perceived.

For the police to respond effectively to any crime, they must be notified immediately via 911 so that any injuries can be treated, witnesses can be interviewed, and evidence can be collected and preserved.

Unfortunately, victims of hate crimes are often fearful to report for a variety of reasons. This can lead to a significant under-reporting and inaccurate statistics. It also allows the suspects who committed these crimes to continue their behavior with other victims. The Renton Police Department wants victims of hate crimes to feel comfortable reporting these incidents to the police.

• Understanding Hate Crimes

Renton has joined a nationwide movement and local organizations to launch the Hate Has No Home Here campaign that identifies locations free from hateful behavior.

Places displaying the Hate Has No Home Here signs signify that hateful actions against others are not tolerated by that person, business, or organization.

• If the incident is happening now, or just happened, call 911 immediately.

• If the incident has already occurred, the immediate danger is over and there are no injuries, call our non-emergency number 425-235-2121.

• If you are not comfortable calling 911 or have additional questions regarding being a victim of or witnessing a hate crime, you can call the Renton Police Department Hate Crime Hotline at 1-844-RPT-HATE (1-844-778-4283) or email [email protected].
  
  

Renton PD Safe Place Program is designed to assist the victims of hate and bias crime and to encourage the reporting of these crimes.

How can my business or organization participate?

• Submit a Renton PD Safe Place Program Application and request decals.

• Once your request is received, the Renton PD Safe Place Program Liaison will deliver or mail decals to your location and provide further training to you and/or your staff.

• Commit to the Safe Place responsibilities.

What are my responsibilities?

Although the Renton PD Safe Place Program is free and voluntary, it is important that you educate your staff regarding their responsibilities:

• If a crime victim enters your premise, your staff should call 911 immediately on the victim's behalf AND

• Allow the victim to remain on your premise until police arrive.

• If the victim leaves prior to police arrival, re-contact 911 and update the operator with the victim's and/or suspect's description and direction of travel.

As with any emergency situation, your staff should use due care and caution when providing the victims of crime safe shelter while being mindful of the safety of patrons, co-workers and compliance with company policy.

We are so honored to have these partners participate in the Safe Place Program: