The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has coordinated with the Seattle Police Department to create a county-wide Safe Place program in Hudson County. Safe Place is a law enforcement initiative, developed by the Seattle Police Department, to enhance public education regarding the reporting of hate crimes.
Any business, social organization, and school can participate in Safe Place at no cost, by filling out the below form. Once complete, you will receive a decal to place in a main, public entrance to a building. Individuals who see the Safe Place logo will know that business, organization, or location will provide a safe space for someone to call 911 if they feel unsafe or are the victim of a crime.
The program is for ALL hate crimes: 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.
Although this is voluntary concept, there are responsibilities to become a member of Safe Place. Participants must educate employees, staff, and management to do two things: call 911 immediately if a victim of any crime enters your premises and allow the victim to remain on your premise until police arrive.
If the victim leaves prior to police arrival, call 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 and caution when providing the victims of crime safe shelter, while being mindful of the safety of your patrons, co-workers and existing company policies.
Please fill out the below form for additional information about how to participate in the Hudson County Safe Place Initiative.