Amid the violence and harassment against people of LGBT community, the Denver Police Department and the leaders of Denver city announced the Safe Place program on Thursday.
The program will encourage business to post stickers with a rainbow police badge that will provide shelter to someone being harassed, especially from LGBT community.
The participating business will receive training on how to help a person in need and a sticker identifying the facility as a safe place.
The program first began in Seattle two years ago. Now the Denver Police Department is opting the program. The stickers are also a symbol for anyone else experiencing harassment.
The Police stated that several cities across the Untied States are experiencing an increase in Bias-motivated crimes.
Businesses and schools in Denver can request the stickers by sending an email to Lt. Michael Wyatt who is the department’s officials LGBT liaison, or by calling at 720-913-2800.
During the public announcement of the program, Wyatt said: “There were incidents occurring in Denver where members of the LGBTQ community were being harassed, intimidated and downright assaulted and many of those not coming to the police department attention and that is wrong.”
According to the police, hate crimes are often not reported. Police said that they want people to feel safe and come forward.
Denver Police Chief, Robert White said: “The fact that they (LGBTQ) as a community have expressed a concern and done it over, and over again… We had a responsibility to do something.”
Recently, Denver has also launched a safe haven program for young people connected to local gangs. Where ever there is a gang-related crime in the city, the nearest church will be activated for three days for people to get emotional and mental wellness support.
Till now more than 20 churches have signed up for the new haven program.
Fingerprint check in at Denver International Airport
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