The Safe Place program is aimed at helping victims of hate crimes and harassment.

ST. PETERSBURG – This city’s police department has become the second Tampa Bay area policing agency to partner with businesses to offer the “Safe Place” program.

The program is specifically designed to reduce hate crimes and harassment involving any person targeted for race, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. The official announcement was made today (June 15) by Mayor Rick Kriseman and police Chief Anthony Holloway during a press conference at Out of the Closet, 3400 26th Ave. S.

Businesses that sign up for the program will display a decal at the front entrance.The decal indicates that they are willing to allow employees to call police and help victims of hate crimes who seek refuge in their building. The decal, officials said, sends a powerful message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in the community.

The Safe Place concept was originally designed by the Seattle police department to assist the victims of LGBTQ hate crimes, but its spirit and symbolism is inclusive of all hate crimes. Earlier this week, the Tampa police kicked off a Safe Place program in their city saying it would give victims of hate crimes and bullying a safe spot to wait for law enforcement to arrive.

To sign up for the St. Petersburg Safe Place program, go to police.stpete.org.

St Petersburg Police | Safe Place | Hate Crimes | LGBTQ | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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