Backup — original pdf

Backup

SAFE PLACE INITIATIVE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT AUSTIN, TX 200+ police agencies throughout the US and Canada are actively working to initiate the Safe Place Program in their communities. HISTORY 2015: Created by the Seattle PD to address low reporting of anti-LGBTQ+ crimes. The goal is to increase public trust in law enforcement and feelings of safety in the community. 2018: Language on all decals was updated to encourage the reporting of all bias crimes, in all communities, not just LGBTQ+. 2019: Austin PD became the first police agency in Texas to implement the Program. ABOUT THE DECAL Trademarked and depicts a police shield surrounding the colors that traditionally have symbolized the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s. Meant to convey inclusion and intersectionality with any and all individuals regardless of their race, political beliefs, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation and/or identification, or any other differences either actual or perceived. Austin PD: Only department in the world to include decals in Spanish. Other languages coming soon. Due to safety concerns, this initiative is NOT designed or authorized for individual and/or residential use. HOW IT WORKS Free and voluntary initiative open to businesses and non-profit organizations in APD’s jurisdiction. Businesses that participate place a nationally and easily recognizable decal at their entrances. Signal for victims of bias-motivated crimes and indicates that location has partnered with the police, will call 911 on their behalf and allow them to stay on the premises until the police arrive. HOW TO PARTICIPATE -Receive authorization from the supervisor or corporate office. -Visit APDSAFEPLACE.ORG and complete the online registration form. -Receive a 30-45 min. training by Austin PD officers or Safe Place Coordinator. -Commit to the Safe Place principles. A FEW PARTICIPANTS 10,000+ businesses across the nation have partnered with their local police department Safe Place Program. Major corporations like Starbucks, Wells Fargo, T-Mobile, and Chase have expanded their participation to stores across the nation. Austin has approximately 100 businesses participating as of Dec. 2019 with a projected total of 500 by the end of 2020. MORE INFORMATION Contact APD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison and Safe Place Coordinator Christian Mendoza #8688 (512) 974-4734 Christian.Mendoza@austintexas.gov APDSAFEPLACE.ORG