BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) has launched a new program to help victims of hate crimes.

The City of Bellingham announced on Wednesday, Nov. 19 it is now accepting applications for the new Safe Place program.

The program allows local businesses to partner with BPD to provide hate crime victims a safe place to call 911.

Courtesy of the City of Bellingham

Originally created in 2015 by the Seattle Police Department, the program started as a way to help report anti-LGBTQ+ crimes and school bullying but has since expanded to include victims of all hate crimes.

“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 Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig.

The Safe Place program will help victims report crimes immediately, which ensures a proper and timely investigation occurs.

Participating businesses will place a Safe Place decal on their window that can be easily seen by passersby.

Three pilot businesses have already joined the program in Bellingham, but any qualified business can now apply at the City of Bellingham website.