Local businesses, government entities, and community groups have partnered with Tampa police to provide a safe place for victims of hate crimes to contact law enforcement and wait for police to come.

TAMPA – Some victims of hate crimes or bullying may be afraid to call for help and others may not have access to make the call so police here have developed the TPD SAFE PLACE program.

TPD SAFE PLACE is a partnership between businesses, government entities, community groups, and the Tampa Police Department. It provides a safe place for victims of hate crimes and bullying to call the police and remain until law enforcement arrives.

Businesses that participate in the Safe Place program will have a decal visibly displayed on its front door or window. The decal serves as a symbol for anyone who walks by and sees the Safe Place badge to know this is a safe city and this is a business that wants the community to feel safe, that celebrates diversity, and that will not stand for hate in any form.

“Tampa is a city that’s foundation is rooted in our diversity and in our city nobody should be demonized based on who they love, the color of their skin, the God they worship, or anything else for that matter,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “That’s why TPD is teaming up with local businesses throughout the community to make sure everyone has a’ safe place’ to go and report a crime if
they feel discriminated against.”

Tampa police Chief Eric Ward said, “Our police force and the community we serve reflect a city that values diversity and inclusion. The TPD Safe Place program reaffirms the commitment
we have to keeping every individual in Tampa safe. With the help of our business community, we are sending a unified message that crimes motivated by prejudice and hate will not be tolerated in our city.”

By participating in the TPD SAFE PLACE program, these partners have voluntarily agreed to be named a TPD SAFE PLACE where these victims can call 9-1-1 and remain inside their building in a “safe place” until the police can arrive and take a report. This in no way gives participating companies the authority to act on behalf of the police department in a law enforcement
capacity. Rather, they are looking out for the members of the community who need help and protection. This directly helps the Tampa police by allowing officers to meet with the victim, complete a police report, and hold suspects accountable for their actions.

For information about the program, or to partner with the department, go to tampagov.net.

Tampa Police | Safe Place | Hate Crime | Bullying | Crime | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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