'Safe Place Initiative' Launched In Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Three downtown business in Scotch Plains will now serve as voluntary "safe places" for victims of hate crimes, such as bullying, under a new initiative the township is launching.

The Safe Place Initiative was launched by the Seattle Police Department in 2015, and the Scotch Plains Police Department is now the 332nd law enforcement agency in the United States, Canada and Europe to sign on.

There is no cost for businesses to join or maintain the program.

"The Safe Place Initiative relies on strong communication and cooperation between local police, local business and local social services agencies," explained Mayor Josh Losardo. "We have received a tremendous response in our community to launch this initiative, and we appreciate such an active collaboration to keep our residents protected from any form of hate."

Under the plan, any victim of a hate crime can go to the Social Status Co. (417 Park Ave.), Black Drop Coffee (431 Park Ave.) or Stage House Tavern (366 Park Ave).

Owners and managers of the three businesses have received training from the Scotch Plains Police Department. They have two key responsibilities: to immediately dial 9-11 and to allow a victim to
remain on premises until police arrive.

"We often say that hate has no home in Scotch Plains," said Councilman Matt Adams. "Through the Safe Place Initiative, victims can be assured they have a place to go, to be heard, where they can be treated with dignity and respect. They will find a welcoming business, as well as the resources of our police officers, who will respond within minutes."

The Safe Place Initiative is for all hate crimes involving race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities, homelessness, marital status, political ideology, age or parental status.

Scotch Plains Police Chief Ted Conley said participating businesses have a decal affixed to their front glass, signifying them as a "Safe Place" for any individual to enter and call law enforcement should they feel unsafe.

Businesses must place the 4x6 inch decal at the main public entrance, three to five feet off the ground and be easily visible.

Conley noted all 25 law enforcement agencies in Union County are committed to participating in the program, 23 of them being certified for the rollout. Union County is the first county worldwide to collectively execute the program.

"I am pleased and honored that Scotch Plains has welcoming businesses where victims can seek refuge while we are notified and can then promptly arrive to assist them,” the police chief said, noting Town Manager Al Mirabella worked closely with Union County Prosecutor William Daniel "to accomplish this major feat."

Any Scotch Plains business interested in becoming a Safe Place, or anyone in need of more information, can email spsafeplace@scotchplainspd.org. The department’s liaison is Scotch Plains police Sgt. Gerard Rites, Training/Support Services Supervisor, who can be reached at 908-322-7100 Ext. 140.