SFPD SAFE PLACE Program

In February 2013, the San Francisco Police Department launched its “SAFE ZONE” initiative, which designated SFPD district stations as safe places for LGBTQ+ community members in crisis or facing imminent danger. The program was conceived by the SFPD Chief’s LGBT Community Advisory Forum (now the SFPD LGBTQ+ Advisory Forum) and is  designed to reinforce SFPD’s role as guardians to the public and ensure that all members of our LGBTQ community who seek assistance at SFPD district stations know that they will be treated with care, respect and dignity.

SFPD has since expanded the SAFE ZONE initiative, launching a partner “SAFE PLACE” program.  Working with community organizations and business to designate Safe Places throughout the city for anyone that may be in an unsafe situation and in need of immediate police or emergency assistance. The program is modeled on a similar program by the Seattle Police Department which partnered law enforcement with the local business community and schools to place easily recognizable decals in their entrances. These decals notify victims of hate crimes that these locations have partnered with law enforcement and will call 9-1-1 on the victim’s behalf.

Under SFPD’s mission to provide Safety with Respect to everyone in our city, the SAFE PLACE program partners SFPD with community organizations, small businesses, corporate sponsors and affiliates that can serve as ambassadors to assist with the reduction of hate crimes, bullying, harassment and discrimination. By working together, we can encourage crime reporting and promote stronger collaboration between law enforcement, community members and merchants.

FOR THE PUBLIC

The program works by offering a safe-haven to ANYONE who is the victim of crime, or who feels threatened or in danger while on the streets.

Any business which displays the SAFE PLACE poster in their window on or their doors agrees to welcome such individuals into their premises and agrees to call 9-1-1 on their behalf and to care for the victim until the formal emergency service personnel arrive.

FOR THE BUSINESS

Any business that wants to support the community and the program is encouraged to participate in the SAFE PLACE program.  Representatives will explain the program, answer all of your questions, then provide you with SAFE PLACE signs to place prominently, and some 3-fold brochures that explain the program and offer community resources information for anyone seeking shelter in your premises.

As a participant in the SAFE PLACE program, businesses simply agree to provide a safe-haven and to call 9-1-1 for individuals when requested to do so.

There is no additional legal obligation by participating in the program, and participation is “at will” and the business may withdraw at any time by removing the signs and simply letting the SAFE PLACE program know by email.

FOR THE LGBTQ+COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD

The SAFE PLACE program sends a clear and visible message to EVERYONE that crime and violence will not be tolerated or ignored, and that those who are victimized or threatened will have a place to seek refuge and support.

Our goal is to have a sea of Rainbow star SAFE PLACE signs in every window and business throughout the entire city, and especially in all LGBTQ+ owned, run, and supportive businesses.

JOIN THE SAFE SPACE PROGRAM

Help make our city safer for everyone. For a list of citywide SAFE PLACE locations or to learn how your business or organization can become a part of the SAFE PLACE network, please contact:

SFPD Community Engagement Division
1245 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
1-415-558-5595
SFPDcommunityRelations@sfgov.org