Although Bellevue enjoys a low rate of violent crime, discrimination and crime against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) residents and visitors still occurs. Through the Bellevue Police Safe Place program, some businesses and other locations in Bellevue are designated as safe locations for individuals to visit if they feel they have been or are a victim of anti-LGBTQ crimes, including harassment.
Signage is displayed by participating community members, businesses, schools and organizations that work closely with the Bellevue Police to reduce anti-LGBTQ crimes and LGBTQ student bullying and to encourage the reporting of LGBTQ crimes.
Calling 911 and waiting for police to respond is essential for holding suspects accountable and reducing hate crimes and harassment in general. In addition to the 911 police response to these incidents, the Bellevue Police have an LGBTQ liaison officer who promotes partnerships between the department and LGBTQ community, and can be a resource for answers to questions you may have.
Mission
The mission of Safe Place is to provide the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning (LGBTQ) community with signage and resources that provide easily accessible safety information. Safe Place is designed to further enhance the relationship between the police department, the LGBTQ community and local businesses by providing Safe Place decals and signage to local businesses and organizations and encouraging those entities to clearly post them at the entrances to their premise as a symbol of safety for the victims of LGBTQ crime and a warning to those who commit those crimes.
Participate in Safe Place
Businesses (corporate, franchises or independent/local), places of worship, schools and community institutions (i.e. libraries) can all participate in the Safe Place program. (For safety reasons, residences cannot be Bellevue Police Safe Places.) Fill out this Application Form to participate.
Displaying the Bellevue Police Safe Place symbol at your premises carries important responsibilities that will greatly assist in protecting LGBTQ victims of crime. The sign indicates your business, organization or school is willing to assist and protect these victims.
To make this concept effective, instruct your staff, teachers, volunteers, counselors and/or students of the following protocol:
- Apply the Safe Place poster outside the front entrance of your establishment, building, room, etc. (approx. 3-5 feet high, if possible). If there is no glass at your front entrance, the poster can be placed conspicuously inside your premises.
- Either call or assist victims with calling 911.
- Allow LGBTQ victims to enter and remain at your premises until Bellevue police arrive.