The Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) has launched the Safe Place Program in partnership with local businesses to provide safe places for residents and visitors who have been victims of hate, bias, and harassment to report crimes if they don’t feel comfortable coming forward to the police department.
“I’m incredibly proud of all the WMPD officers and local businesses who have worked tirelessly to bring this needed service to our Island City community,” said WMPD Chief Gary Blocker. “We understand that reporting a crime to authorities can be nerve-wracking. This program aims to make the process a little easier and help strengthen our commitment to making sure Life’s Just Better and Safer Here.”
The Safe Place program was founded by the Seattle Police Department in 2014. Since then, municipalities across the country have launched similar initiatives. In the City of Wilton Manors, this program benefits any resident or visitor who is a victim of a crime, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities, homelessness, marital status, political ideology, age, or parental status.
The Safe Place Program wouldn’t be possible without the support and commitment of local businesses. As a partner, business owners and staff are trained on how to provide a haven for crime victims, how to sensitively communicate with them, and how to contact the WMPD for assistance. Interested business owners can register for the Safe Place Program by visiting https://bit.ly/SafePlaceProgramRegistration or contacting the WMPD at SafePlace@wmpd.org.
The WMPD thanks local partners AHF/Out Of The Closet Thrift, Alibi Monkey Bar, Chant II, LLC LIT Bar, Dental Associates of Boca Raton, Dolce Salato Pizza and Gelato, Indelible Art and Tattoo, Infinity Lounge, Ink Addiction II, Island City Stage, Julian’s Fountain of Youth, Mercer Cleaners, MyEyeDr., Needlestitch, Pride Corner Art & Frame, Pride Factory, Richard C. Sullivan Public Library, Simone’s Bridal Prom Pageant, Sardi Café Lounge, SunServe, Tap That Ash, The Pearl Rehab Center, The Pride Center at Equality Park, Wilton Discount Liquors, and Wilton River Suites for their support in bringing this program to the Island City community.
If you are a victim of a hate crime, or any crime, please report it to the WMPD, or utilize one of the City’s Safe Place locations.
To learn more about the WMPD’s Safe Place Program, please visit https://bit.ly/WMPDSafePlace.
