Renton Police Safe Place

Contact Information
Renton PD Safe Place Program Liaison
Ofcr. Roseanne Hynes
Renton, WA 98057

Click image to download information on Renton Police Department's Safe Place programThe City of Renton strives to be a safe and progressive city, and while we have few reported incidents involving hate or bias-based crimes, unfortunately they still occur. Renton Police Department is committed to the safety of all residents and visitors of our city, and ensure that hate crimes will not be tolerated. 

The Renton PD Safe Place Program offers victims of hate crimes shelter if they are feeling unsafe – a place where they are welcomed, they can call the police, and wait until officers arrive. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Renton PD Safe Place program decal provides a visual clue for anyone experiencing violence or harassment based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Renton Police Department has adopted the Safe Place model created by the Seattle Police Department in 2015. Seattle PD Safe Place is a law enforcement sponsored and overseen initiative that was born out of a need to address low reporting of anti-LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, Transgender, Queer) crimes and school bullying incidents by increasing public trust in law enforcement and feelings of safety in the community.

The program was expanded in 2018 to include anyone who may have been a victim of a bias crime. Seattle PD was the first law enforcement agency in the nation to launch a program of this kind. For more information on the inception of the Safe Place program and details of what constitutes bias-related crimes, please visit Seattle PD Safe Place

For information about the Renton PD Safe Place Program please email the program liaison, Ofcr. Roseanne Hynes.

How It Works

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.

The Importance of Reporting Hate Crimes

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.

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.

 

Ways to Report Hate Crimes

  • 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].

Information for Participating Businesses and Organizations

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.

Our Partners

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

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