MPD and the City of Milwaukee Launches the Safe Place Program

MILWAUKEE, WI—On October 3, 2022 the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), along with Mayor Cavalier Johnson, announced a joint public safety initiative, the Safe Place Program. The Safe Place Initiative is a national program, based out of Seattle, Washington, designed to provide underrepresented members of our community, including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and others (LGBTQ+) community and victims of human trafficking a safe place to call police for assistance.

The Safe Place Program is an active collaboration among the police, businesses, and social organizations designed to assist in making communities a safer place to live. Any individual who sees the Safe Place logo will know that business, organization, or location will provide a safe space for someone to call 911 for assistance, should they feel unsafe.

“I understand that increasing public safety for all members of our community means building genuine relationships and trust with those we serve. The Safe Place Program is our agency once again telling the LGBTQ+ community, we are here for you. We are better together”, said Chief Jeffrey Norman, MPD. The Milwaukee Police Department has two law enforcement members serving as LQBTQ+ liaisons to assist in developing and maintaining our relationship with the LGTBQ+ community.

“I want Milwaukee to be a uniformly welcoming, respectful and accepting place where safe zones are unnecessary. But, we have a ways to go before we reach that goal,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “While we work to make Milwaukee a better community, I encourage businesses and other welcoming spaces to formally sign on to the Safe Place Program.”

“The Safe Place Program is a national effort to continue to address the public safety of LGBTQ+ constituents. I applaud Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Chief Jeffery Norman and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) for spearheading a Safe Place Program right here in our City to let LGBTQ+ Milwaukeeans know that they and their safety are paramount. I call on businesses large and small to join our effort”, said Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa.

Display a decal on your place of business and assist in the safety and security of our LGBTQ+ community. Displaying the decal at your place of business for the community to see, will greatly assist in the safety and security of the LGBTQ+ community and provide victims of human trafficking a safe environment to ask for assistance.

Local businesses, places of worship and organizations who want to participate in the Safe Place Program can receive a free decal and signage to display. For more information, please visit Safe Place – Milwaukee Police Department Public Information Office (mkepdpio.org).

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.