Safe Place

DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE THE REPORTING OF BIAS CRIMES OR INCIDENTS

The Westfield Safe Place Program is a Union County initiative and partnership between the Westfield Police Department and area businesses and organizations that promotes a citywide, zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, advancing a shared commitment to providing for the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

The program establishes safe places for victims of bias, harassment, discrimination, bullying, or hate crimes to find shelter while calling 911 for help. 

Union County and the Westfield Police Department defines these as incidents related to race, color, religion, gender expression or identity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, age, parental status, national origin, or ethnicity.

HOW IT WORKS

Display a rainbow shield in a window to indicate Westfield Safe Place status. If there is no window, the shield should be posted in an obvious location near an entrance.

If a victim of any bias incident or crime enters a premise, instruct staff, employees, teachers, administrators, volunteers, counselors or students to assist the victim by calling 911 immediately and allow them to remain in the premises until police arrive.

To participate in the Safe Place Initiative, or to request program materials, area businesses and organizations can contact Detective Elizabeth Savnik of the Westfield Police Department’s Juvenile & Community Policing Bureau by telephone at 908-789-6078 or e-mail at esavnik@wpdnj.org.