Every Bellingham resident deserves to live free from fear, intimidation, and hate in our community. Through the Safe Place™ Program, the Bellingham Police Department (BPD) makes it easier for victims of hate crimes to report incidents to the police.
We want victims of crime to know that no matter your background or status, you will be treated with care, dignity, and respect from the business you enter, as well as by the police officers who respond to take your report and complete the investigation.
The Safe Place™ Program is a partnership between BPD and businesses in our community. Participating businesses display a Safe Place™ decal on their front window. Victims of a hate crime can enter any of these businesses and ask for help. Staff will give them a safe place to wait and call 911 for them.
The program is for victims of all hate crimes. In the City of Bellingham, this includes being targeted based on group identification or personal characteristics including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability (RCW 9A.36.080).
If you have been a victim of a bias or hate crime and time has passed, it’s not too late to tell us. Call our non-emergency line at 360-676-6911 and a police officer will meet you to take your report.
Get involved
Becoming a Safe Place™ business is free. Either business managers or owners can apply. We will send you a Safe Place™ decal, training materials, and flyers at no cost.
The program is open to businesses, social service organizations, and government agencies that have a space open to the public. Participating businesses should have staff present on site for most of the day. Due to safety concerns, this program is not designed, or authorized, for individual or residential use.
To become a Safe Place™ business, you must agree to train current and future employees, volunteers, and staff about the following responsibilities.
If a victim of any crime, especially a hate crime, comes into your business and asks for help, staff will:
- Call 911 immediately on the victim’s behalf.
- Provide the victim with a safe, public area within your business where they can wait for the police.
- If the victim leaves before the police arrives, staff must call 9-1-1 back to update the operator with the victim’s and/or suspect(s) description and direction of travel.
As with any emergency situation, your staff should exercise caution and stay mindful of the safety of patrons and co-workers.
