Renton Police Safe Place

The City of Renton is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for everyone. While there are only a few reported hate or bias-based crimes in our city, they still happen. The Renton Police Department (RPD) is dedicated to keeping all residents and visitors safe and does not tolerate hate crimes.

The Renton PD Safe Place Program provides a safe space for victims of hate crimes who feel threatened. These locations offer a welcoming place where victims can call the police and wait safely for help to arrive. Local businesses and organizations that participate display a Safe Place decal, which serves as a clear sign that anyone facing violence or harassment because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability can seek help there.

Renton PD adopted the Safe Place program from the Seattle Police Department, which created it in 2015. The program started as a way to encourage people to report anti-LGBTQ crimes and school bullying by building trust between the community and law enforcement. In 2018, the program expanded to include all victims of bias-related crimes. Seattle PD was the first law enforcement agency in the country to launch a program like this.

For more information on the history of the Safe Place program, visit Seattle PD Safe Place. 

How it works

The Renton Police Department’s Safe Place Program is a special partnership with local businesses to help victims of certain crimes. Businesses and organizations that join the program place a clear, easy-to-spot decal at their entrance.

These decals are placed on glass doors or windows, about 4 to 6 feet off the ground, so that people in danger can quickly see them while passing by. The decal is a sign that the business is a safe place for victims of hate crimes. It means the business has agreed to call 911 for them and let them stay there safely until the police arrive.

Right now, more than 6,000 businesses in Seattle are part of the program. Over 200 police agencies across the U.S. and Canada, including those in Bellevue and Renton, are working with Seattle police to bring Safe Place to their communities.

In 2018, the Safe Place program expanded to help any victim of a hate crime, not just those in the LGBTQ community. The Safe Place decal now represents support for all people, no matter their race, age, gender, nationality, beliefs, or other differences.

 

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
  • 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. 

 

Safe Place application and decals

Signing up to become a participant in the Renton PD Safe Place Program is easy, free and open to businesses and organizations within the Renton City Limits.

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Participation is restricted to specific entities such as Businesses and/or Corporations, Social Service Organizations, Schools and Government Agencies.  Due to safety concerns, this program is NOT designed or authorized for individual and/or residential use.

Prior to submitting your application, you must read the Requirements section below. Not understanding your responsibilities when participating in the Renton PD Safe Place Initiative will have a negative impact on your business, organization, government, and most importantly, the victims of these crimes.

Renton PD Safe Place Application

Placement of decals

Once you receive your Renton PD Safe Place decal, you must place it at the front entrance of your establishment. The placement location of the decal should be readily visible to the public from the sidewalk.

  • Place the decal on the front window or door of the business or organization
  • The decal should be 4 to 6 feet up from the ground, so it’s easily seen by the victim, who may be running by and can easily see the decal and recognize the symbolism and messaging
  • For schools, the decals should be placed at the front office, or school counselor's office

Requirements

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 for the victim
  • 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

 

 

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