Rohnert Park Launches Safe Space Anti-Hate Program

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety announced the launch of a "Safe Space" anti-hate campaign in the community this month.

The Rohnert Park program mirrors the first Safe Space program, which was started in 2015 by a police officer in Seattle who was a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Rohnert Park DPS model replicates the exact participation requirements and offers a free decal, Rohnert Park DPS Spokesperson J.P. Pritchard said in a new release.

The city encourages businesses, schools, places of worship and nonprofit organizations to register for the Safe Space program and agree to provide a location for anyone who feels threatened or is a victim of a hate incident to enter their premises and call the police immediately. By displaying the free Safe Space decal for the public to see, the organizations that register agree to protect individuals by:

• Allowing victims to enter and remain at their premises until the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety arrives.
• Calling or assisting victims in contacting 911 immediately to report hate crimes or harassment.
• Committing to instruct all employees or volunteers to assist victims and witnesses in this protocol if they enter the premises for help.
• Reporting all details, surveillance footage, and any evidence available to the authorities so that apprehension and prosecution can be made on behalf of the victim.

Rohnert Park DPS and City departments have been unified in wanting to expand existing safety programs to build a greater sense of representation for our diverse communities, according to the news release.

"As the City Manager, my duty is to make certain that our communities have access to the most comprehensive resources and programs to lead thriving lives," Rohnert Park City Manager Marcela Piedra said. "Their safety and welfare are at the forefront of our mission. The Safe Space anti-hate program is just one initiative that we can implement in Rohnert Park that not only symbolizes that our city will not tolerate violence of this kind but also puts this principle into tangible action by protecting our people and holding the person who perpetrates the action accountable."

Moreover, Rohnert Park DPS and the City Council have been collaborating to meet the nine pillars for police accountability and community relations. A crucial aspect of meeting these objectives is achieved through partnering with the private and public sectors in safety problem-solving and methods.

"As Mayor of Rohnert Park, I take the safety of our marginalized communities seriously," Rohnert Park Mayor Samantha Rodriguez said. "Having an anti-hate campaign, such as the Safe Space program in our city, allows for our government, public, private, and not-for-profit entities to work together to prevent biased and hate-related victimization. The important partnership between all parties makes for a safer, more unified city that protects all who live within our neighborhoods."

Rohnert Park joins over 300 first responder agencies across the United States who've implemented a Safe Space program.

"Though we wish no one ever experienced hate, we understand hate exists and is experienced by many people daily," Rohnert Park DPS Deputy Chief Kevin Kilgore said. "This collaborative partnership between the Safe Space Program, Rohnert Park community businesses and institutions, and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will provide safe places to enter for anyone who experiences any form of hate. We are grateful to live and work in a city that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to make our city and the world a better place for everyone."

Leading with integrity, transparency, and absolute community trust in mind, Director of Public Safety Tim Mattos has spent many hours reaching out to stakeholders for valuable feedback on how to make sure the Safe Space anti-hate program serves the needs of Rohnert Park communities, Pritchard said. This collaboration has been extended to the City Council, Cotati-Rohnert Park School District, the Community Round Table (a group comprised to advise on many matters, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as it relates to the safety of marginalized groups), and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"There is no place in our community for bias, intolerance, or hate. As the Director of Public Safety, I am honored to have the opportunity to bring the Safe Space anti-hate program to those who live, work, or visit our great city," DPS Chief Tim Mattos said.

City stakeholders who are interested in registering for the program can request a brochure and decal in person at the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, 500 City Center Drive, or through the city's online registry on the City of Rohnert Park Public Safety website, where there are multiple language translation options.