Bellingham launches program to support victims of hate crimes

The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) and businesses in our community are teaming up to make it easier for victims of hate crimes to file a report.
 

The new Safe Place™ program officially launches today, November 19, 2025. Participating businesses display a Safe Place™ decal on their business window at eye-height, where they are easily seen by anyone walking by. Victims of hate crimes can enter any of these businesses and ask for help. Staff will give them a safe place to wait and call 911 for them.
 

The Safe Place™ program aims to begin the process of empowering those against whom a hate crime is committed to report the incident immediately, so a proper investigation is started swiftly. The City of Bellingham is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for everyone where hate crimes are not tolerated. In our city, this includes being targeted based on group identification or personal characteristics including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability (RCW 9A.36.080).
 

"We want victims of hate crimes to know you will be heard, treated with care, dignity, and respect by the businesses you enter, as well as by our police officers who respond to take your report and complete the investigation," said BPD Chief Rebecca Mertzig.
 

So far, three pilot businesses have joined the Safe Place™ program. Any qualified business is now invited to [cob.org/safeplaceapplication]apply.
 

"Every Bellingham resident deserves to live free from fear, intimidation, and hate in our community," said Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. "This important program makes it easier for victims of any hate crime to seek compassionate, informed help and file a report."

History of Safe Place™

BPD adopted the Safe Place™ program from the Seattle Police Department, which created it in 2015. Since then, Safe Place™ has been licensed and enacted by more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
 

The program started as a way to encourage people to report anti-LGBTQ+ crimes and school bullying by building trust between the community and law enforcement. In 2018, the program expanded to include victims of all hate crimes.
 

For more information on the history of the Safe Place™ program, visit the Seattle PD website.

Join Safe Place™

Interested in signing up your business? The program is open to businesses, social service organizations, and government agencies that have a space open to the public. Participating businesses should have staff present on site for most of the day. Due to safety concerns, this program is not designed, or authorized, for individual or residential use.
 

Becoming a Safe Place™ business is free. Either business managers or owners can apply. BPD will send you a Safe Place™ decal, training materials, and flyers at no cost.
 

Visit our Safe Place™ website to learn more about the requirements and apply.