It’s easy to see the emotion that Michael, a Long Branch, New Jersey business owner, felt as he hugged Long Branch Police Department (LBPD) Officer Dana Page in February of 2022.

The picture was taken moments after Officer Page, who is the LBPD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer, applied a Safe Place decal to the front window of Michael’s restaurant, indicating that his establishment is a place where anyone affected by hate or bias crimes can find refuge and call 911 for help if they feel threatened.

A Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and Local Businesses and Schools

The Safe Place Initiative began in Seattle, Washington in 2015 as an effort to reduce anti-LGBTQ+ crimes by encouraging people to report them to law enforcement. Since then, the Seattle Police Department has given permission to about 300 law enforcement agencies to license the logo and adopt the program for their jurisdictions. And, as the program has grown, it has also expanded to address all forms of hate and bias as well as student bullying.

Long Branch was one of three municipalities invited to participate in the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Safe Place pilot program, which offers safety and assistance to anybody who is threatened or harassed for any reason, including race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender expression or identity.

Most importantly, businesses, schools, restaurants, and other establishments that volunteer to participate must commit to treating anybody who seeks refuge with care, dignity, and respect, and the same commitment must be honored by the jurisdiction’s police department. Participation in the Safe Place Initiative incurs no cost and only requires a pledge from participating establishments that their staff will call 911 immediately if a victim enters their premises, and that the establishments will allow that person to remain there until police arrive.

Like Michael, Officer Page is proud to be a participant in Safe Place. “It’s a needed program and one that reflects the spirit of our department, as well,” she said. “We are compassionate people, down to earth and non-judgmental of trans or any other people. Our officers are all about respect.”

Calls for Help Come from Across the Country

According to Officer Page, officers from other states have contacted the LBPD asking for advice on setting up a similar program, as have individuals who have heard of Long Branch’s participation and want help finding a Safe Place.

“I heard from a trans person in Chicago asking if anybody at LBPD knew a Safe Place or unbiased police department where they could report a hate crime. This individual thought police would make fun of her, so we helped her find a department that was caring and responsive.

“Word is getting around about Safe Place, and people who are nervous about talking to police will call us from anywhere in the country, asking if we know of an officer they can speak to. So, I will call their town and ask their department to send out a female or male [officer], whichever the caller requests. Or in some cases, just give them a name to call.

“We’ve put stickers on more than 30 buildings in Long Branch and expect to hear from more establishments wanting to participate, too. The New Jersey towns of Red Bank and Asbury Park, which participated in the pilot program, also have them.

“The LGBTQ+ community is very aware of Safe Place and we have very good relationships with them,” Page said. “At the Long Branch Pride Parade, they call out to our officers and engage with them. There is trust there.”

Added Director of Public Safety William Broughton, “Good relations and community collaboration are very important to us. Engaging with all the people who live, work, and visit here and making them comfortable with police reduces the fear of crime, which in turn will reduce crime itself. So, we take advantage of every opportunity to interact with everybody in Long Branch, which is a very diverse community.”

In addition to being home to a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious communities, this resort town on the Atlantic Ocean south of New York City draws an average of 37,534 visitors to its beaches and other attractions on a typical summer day.¹

“In addition to thousands of visitors during the summer season, we have a very diverse year-round population which includes people from all walks of life,” said Broughton. “Community policing is essential to maintaining good relations with all of them.”

National Nights Out, Car Shows, Concerts and More

“The department is always on the lookout for new ways to be more proactive, inclusive, and involved with the people who live in and visit our city,” Broughton added, mentioning some of the programs and events LBPD sponsors or participates in.

“Even if an event is not police-specific, we are there. Long Branch has a wide variety of events, including a free summer concert series, movie nights, car shows, and many other things—and our officers are present at each and every one. They enjoy being there, too. They don’t just direct traffic, they mingle with the crowd, and some have even gotten up and performed with the band at concerts.

“National Night Out is our department’s biggest event and it has grown every year, from its location 20 years ago in a downtown park to cover the area across the street, as well. It’s hugely popular in Long Branch, drawing thousands of people.

“In addition to a DJ and other kinds of entertainment, they have fire trucks and police vehicles on the scene, plus K9 and martial arts demonstrations, and lots of games, as well as free food and drink.

“The department can do this because of our many generous community partners, who donate food, prizes, and other things. There are many businesses and individuals who care about our community.”

The department is also out in the community on a regular basis through their Community Policing Unit. Officers who walk foot patrol in these zones work closely with business owners and residents in the area to provide a wide variety of services, such as safety presentations, child car seat installations, and seminars for senior citizens. They also help at the many concerts and events Long Branch holds.

Community Policing Enhances Recruitment

Broughton believes community involvement is one of the reasons the department’s recruitment activities have been successful, adding 10 officers to the LBPD staff recently. “It’s a draw to recruits,” he said. “The majority of our full-time officers begin their careers with us as seasonal Class 1 Special Officers who are heavily engaged in community activities.

“These officers are another way we can provide community policing and public safety services to residents and visitors throughout the summer. Many of them return for future seasons before advancing to Class II, and eventually full-time officers.

“People are drawn to working in this location as well. It’s a resort community with great beaches and a lot of interesting events. The fact that the area is very diverse makes it appealing, too.

“This is a special department and city,” he added. “People want to join us because of our professionalism, long history, and because they know we are, as Officer Page said, caring, compassionate people.”

To learn more about the Safe Place program, visit the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Safe Place page.

References:

¹ Monmouth County Planning Board, Summer Coastal Population Study (Red Bank, New Jersey: 2008), https://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/24/Coastal%20Pop%20Study%20Report.pdf.

Faye C. Elkins
Sr. Technical Writer
COPS Office

Images courtesy of the Long Branch Police Department.

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