East Orange Businesses, Cops Launch ‘Safe Places’ Program

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Victims of hate, bullying and threats now have some new “safe places” in East Orange.

Earlier this month, the city launched its Safe Place Program, a new partnership between law enforcement and local businesses.

Here’s how it works, according to city officials:

“Participating businesses have voluntarily agreed to display an ‘East Orange Safe Place’ window decal that can easily be seen by patrons or passers-by in need of assistance. Should a victim enter a business and need help, business owners or employees are asked to call 911 immediately and allow the victim to remain on the premises until police arrive.”

An initial roster of 11 local businesses have risen to the occasion, officials said:

• Sunoco/ Subway, 85 Dodd Street
• Lerro Enterprises, 35 Main Street
• 7-Eleven, 247 Freeway Drive East
• Scott’s Flowers, 526 Central Avenue
• The Angel Spot, 609 Central Avenue
• Lukoil Gas Station, 544 William Street
• Fresh Deli Market, 480 Park Avenue
• Scovil’s Barber Shop, 460A Central Avenue
• Brendalyn Restaurant, 93 Greenwood Avenue
• One Stop Hardware, 97 4th Avenue
• Lloyd Barber Shop, 97 B 4th Avenue

Any business wishing to join the city’s Safe Place Program can contact the East Orange Police Department Community Relations Division at yjohnson@njeopd.com or 973-266-5070.

This initiative began in Seattle, Washington in 2015 as an effort to reduce LGBTQ bias incidents, as well as hate crimes. East Orange is now among the more than 300 law enforcement agencies worldwide participating.

“The EOPD is committed to the safety of East Orange residents and visitors and protecting their freedom from bias incidents and hate crimes that include, but are not limited to race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin or ethnicity,” Police Chief Phyllis Bindi said.

Mayor Ted Green said it is important to create a network of “safety, acceptance and love” throughout the city.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone who lives, works, or visits our city feels secure and welcomed,” Green said. “Bullying and hate simply have no place in our community, and we stand united in our efforts to make East Orange a safe space for everyone.”

• See Related: Vending Machine In East Orange Dispenses Free Medical Supplies

City officials and advocates announced the rollout of the program – the first in Essex County – at a news conference on March 11. Representatives from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Essex County's LGBTQ Affairs Office and Garden State Equality were also in attendance.

Watch footage from the news conference below, or view it online here.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.